Friday, May 30, 2008

TODAY AND TOMORROW

Tomorrow is very important, but today is “where its at”, excuse my slang….Do everything today for tomorrow, this is success at its very best. In other words whatever you want for tomorrow in your life, plant the seeds today.

My father, the late Tyson Stewart was a master of this principle. He planted seeds and did they ever come up, and they were good ones. People still talk about him, eleven years after his “going away”.

I’m always amazed at how many friends my sister, EJ the Storyteller has, they seem endless and they are wonderful! She really did some good planting!

Growing up in the country of North Carolina, she was always writing back to us about her friends and this and that. It was fasinating to us because we had never left the country, while she lived in big old New York City, in Queens. She would come home and bring James Cleveland records and speeches by Dr. King and tell us about the spices oregano and thyme and basil and jazz music and on and on….This was more than 40 years ago, I was just a “youngun” then.

She was always talking about her friends, Joan and Alexis, and Pat and Oliver and Helen and Auntie and Uncle and so many more. She has friends in other countries and many of the states and now the rest of the family have come to know them too.

This very morning she had talked to Alexis (in Atlanta), about the housing market in Florida. After all these years still friends and talking because of seeds sown yesterday!

When my sister and mom died last year, I got to meet some of the “seeds” from her good planting. They were so gracious and caring for their friend’s lost. Now I consider them my friends and part of the friend family. Many times we forget that friends can be closer than blood kin. The Bible speaks of this and I’ve found it to be very true and sometimes sobering......

EJ moved to Raleigh after Faye and Mama passed, she felt she needed to move on and find her life again. She had taken care of them and needed to start over. All of us dealt with this part of “life” in our own unique ways. And guess what?, her friend Pat lives in Raleigh and (you know it), she’s helping her get settled and doing this and that… When I call her sometimes she’ll say “yeah me and Pat been out shopping or whatever". She and Pat worked at the telephone company in New York, when EJ was only 18 years old. Now mature ladies in their early 60’s…still friends and helping one another. Ej spends time with her friends children too, and is godmother to several of them.

How wonderful, yes tomorrow may be great, but much of it will depend on the seeds sown “today”.
Torrence

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

I DID IT !!!!!!

Someone said “starting a walking program takes initiative. Sticking with it takes commitment.” I agree, and I did it!!

Twenty two days ago, I set a goal, 22 days straight, 3 miles or more, and I completed it with flying colors! Several days I walked more, and I finally walked 5 miles (one day). I can hardly believe I was that deligent!

Yes, I am proud of myself….as well I should be. Three miles 22 days straight is nothing to sneeze at, I hadn’t walked that far since I left my daddy’s farm…That’s funny, even for me (ha ha).

On May 26,2008 (David’s birthday), I completed my goal. Starting out I had to ‘kill” my inner conversations, ‘its too hard…are you crazy?, everyone will see you huffing and puffing through the hood (they did),and blah,blah,blah,and a double blah!!!
I stilled the voices with confidence in myself and confidence in my God, strapped on the sneakers and took off, and boy am I glad I did.

I even got to see my neighbors more and they kept me going with “you go girl, looking good”. I love the hood, when we move I will really miss the “inner city of Nashville”, the people are wonderful, but time to move on, in more ways than one.......

If walking could be put in a bottle, it would be the pill to take! Those good feeling hormones are awesome, not to mention the other health benefits and disease prevention potential of continuous brisk walking and activity. Thank you Jesus! Its no wonder Jesus and the disciples walked so much, and wasn’t Jesus fulfilled and successful! Hadn’t thought of that. LOL

Walking requires no prescription, the “side effects” are good ones, and the benefits are life changing. And its all FREE FOR THE DOING…

Walking is simple, safe and you don’t need a practice manual to get started. You may need to check with your doc if you’ve been sedentary for a while, but after that, go for it!
I’m so continuing my walking and other exercises as I’m on my way to my better and healthier me, and I’m loving it!

I believe walking is the “medicine of life”, yeah, I believe it is….Stay happy…
Torrence

Monday, May 26, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAVID LORENZO TORRENCE

On May 26, 1988 around noon at Baptist hospital in Nashville Tennessee, a very small and strong David Lorenzo Torrence was born into this world. He is the son of very proud parents John William and Glenda Ann Torrence, with a long list of siblings; Little John, Kameki, Gilda,Theresa, Loria and of course his “side kick”, Samuel.

Life didn’t start easily for this now 20 year old. He was always in a hurry, it seemed, even from the start!! The doctors had said he would come late August, maybe early September, but David would have none of that.

They put me in the hospital two days before his birth, hoping to “stave”off his coming so prematurely, but it didn’t work.

Tuesday morning I was awakened with pains and my doctor, Michael Bishop was called.
From his car phone he began telling me the bad news," he’s too early, don’t get your hopes up. " We’ ll give you something to help him breathe on his own but it might not work. Not the type of news I wanted to hear..but the docs don’t know everything and a few hours later a 2 lbs,11 ½ ounce jewel was born. Yes, you read right!

The first time I saw him in the incubator, I almost fainted; he was so small and frail but full of life. As David was coming into the world I heard Dr. Bishop scream ( “it’s a boy and he’s breathing on his own!). That was big news as all the respiratory equipment was set up for this poor, maybe lifeless baby.

He did fine and was kicked out of the hospital the day before the 4th of July, shy of 5 pounds! "Baptist needed a bed for sick babies they told me laughing". We had to order diapers for him because no stores carried his size!

Today David stands the tallest of the Torrence clan at 5’9, and wears an eleven and a half size shoe!!!

He’s still strong and a fighter, never giving up when things don’t go well. He has a resilence like his father and can shake things off easily. I pray he keeps this, he will need it in this life!

David wanted only one thing for his birthday, a chess pie! Yes, he’s special…..I got him some ice cream too. LOL. What a joy to have children who don’t want everything, and are thankful , we are truly blessed parents and we give glory to God, and thanks and praise to them also.

He’s playing the piano now and enjoying his day, one of his favorites “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

Happy Birthday David Lorenzo Torrence, may God bless your life as you have blessed ours and much, much more......

Mama Torrence

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

A CHANGE OF LIFE

I’m not talking about menopause, but the kind of change that will be life changing as we follow through with our goals. It has been a long journey for me, but I’ve finally got it! Its so simple now, I wonder how I missed it so long. But life is about change, and if you don’t dance with life, life will run over you and “find another partner”, as Les Brown would say.

What I’m really enjoying about “my ministry in the city”, is the people I run into daily. Many of these people have been in the hood for decades, I’m finally getting to converse and mingle with them through the wonderful medium of walking. Sometimes they wave and yell to me from their cars and front porches “keep it up, you’re doing good”, some even invite themselves to walk with me!

One such lady sits on her porch and seems to enjoy my passing by each day. She encourages me and makes me feel all good inside(you know what I mean). Yes we need encouraging people on the highway of life.

Noticing my perseverance in my walking she was curious and asked “how much more are you trying to lose?” The question sorta took me back because I have left thinking of losing weight, its part of the goal but only a part. Now eating better and loving and liking myself(there’s a difference) and exercising and using my gifts for the good of myself and others, are some of my “keys to success and healthy living”.
I feel good and I am happy in my own skin, and its life changing for me. I always considered myself happy and fulfilled, but now I'm on another dimension of sorts and its great!

I’m pushing myself harder too, each day walking a bit faster and enjoying even the inclines and small hills. Some days I stretch myself an extra quarter or half mile or so, burning even more calories and building stronger muscles, and feeling ever better than ever.

I must admit I’ve taken far too little time taking care of myself, this new life is so refreshing and strengthening to me. I’m recreating myself and it’s the BOMB!

As I walked on, reassessing my neighbor’s coments, I thanked God for the change of life I’m experiencing at this special time of life. The lifestyle changes are life renewing and they are wonderful. I’m not concerned about the scale so much anymore, the inches are the real determiner and the wardrobe don't lie!!!

I thank God for helping me with the changes of my own life. Yes, I’m enjoying the change of life.

Blessings
Torrence

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

I began singing this wonderful song, on returning from my 3 mile walk today, TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!! This song was written and brought to the world by Andrae Crouch, to me one of the greatest songwriters ever to live. When I pause to just think of the goodness and kindness of God, its more than I can comprehend with “my pea brain”. How wonderful He is and how faithful He has been to me.

Today is 17 days of ‘STREAKING’, my 3 or more mile walks. I thank Him for legs to walk, and a mind to think and function, especially at this time in my life.

Taking my son Samuel to school one day, I noticed a young lady in a wheel chair, she’s one of his classmates. Many things flooded my mind as I thought and imagined how she deals with life in a wheel chair; and so young. I couldn’t help but be even the more thankful for legs to walk. And walk I have come to love. I plan to walk a mile or two more as the day closes, this always gives me a big boost for the upcoming day!!!

Yes, to God be the glory, great things He has done for us all..

Blessings and wellness

Torrence

Friday, May 16, 2008

ACCOMPLISHMENT!!!

Readying myself for bed from a busy and prosperous day, I felt to write…I have accomplished something worth celebrating!!

I thank God I have crossed a barrier, a stronghold has been broken down, and I’m in a zone. It's only because of the goodness and grace of God and this gives me reason to celebrate.

On this journey, I have finally realized I have and am successful in areas that I have been working on. This is good news because I am a person that likes to see the end result before being thankful and accomplished. Yes, this is foolish, I know but “first to mine own self be true”. Now I can change the negative behavior, I’ve confessed it!

There’s much difference between eyesight and mind-sight. The scripture says “For we walk by faith, not by sight” 2 Cor.5:7. I thank God for the faith walk, yet we also know that “faith without works is dead, being alone”. So we believe and do the things we can and need to do to succeed. I say we do the natural and God puts his supernatural on it. This is success in the real here and now, and I love it.

I thank God I have accomplished 12 straight days walking at least 3 miles. This success has really helped me to feel good about what I can achieve when I put forth the effort. It has given me an opportunity to practice the things I say are important to me, and thats important.

Though I haven’t completed all my goals, I can celebrate what I have done with the help of the Lord.

Yes, accomplished! I have accomplished something great! Now, I MARCH FORWARD..

Blessings

Sunday, May 11, 2008

STILL STANDING AND WALKING

I hope everyone had a Happy Mother’s Day, mine was super and I thank God I didn’t miss my walking streak. The weekends are more difficult, with so many extras to do but I made it. Seven days straight with 3 miles or more, is really helping me feel sooooooooogoood! The benefits of walking are tremendous, and I think as one writer said “it’s the medicine of life.”

I wanted to stay in bed this morning and walk after church, but I gathered myself and took off, boy am I glad I did! I have to push myself sometimes, but isn’t that what life’s about?

We had a blessed day, all I could have wanted and prayed for. I thank God for my wonderful family, the calls from the children and of course my wonderful sons and Gilda and John. So much to be thankful for.

I read of a man who lost 28 relatives in the storms in Myanmer, I can’t imagine that. Please remember him and others in this life draining time. Let the help get to the people Lord, truly a heartbreaking situation. Everyone gone, washed out to sea, he said “I’m the only one left." I pray God will turn the hearts to Him and that they receive his love as we have done.

The governments of those countries are so wicked and careless toward the people, I pray the help gets there to save and restore some of the people. Let us pray for this, believing, as God has promised to hear our prayers and to answer us. If my people….

We are so fortunate to have been born in this country, "nothing good we’ve done", lets be thankful and stop all complaining before” a worse thing come upon us”. Lord help us and the rest of the world.
Blessings

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

STREAKING...

Got to thinking bout something…Taking small steps will eventually get you where you’re going, maybe not as fast but…you know what I mean. I like to say “slow and steady wins the race”, or as my son David hammers in my ears.. “persistence is key”.

You know I’ve come to love the walking,(love the walking…), so I decided to do a streak, 22 straight days, 3miles or more. The Houston Rockets (yeah I love some sports), like to see the boys play, and the girls too LOL; anyway, the Rockets went on a 22 straight game winning streak that shocked the world! I knew they could do it, GO TRACY MCGRADDY, they even went 11 games without their superstar Yao Ming!(he's hurt).

So in the spirit and tenacity of the Houston Rockets, I have completed my third day of walking 3.1 miles…….YOU GO GIRL!!!

When I started walking, I could get up the street a ways, and look back and wonder “how am I going to get back home?” ha,ha,ha.
But it wasn’t very funny. Now 3 miles isn’t bad at all, and I start moving faster coming around the bend, thinking, I’m almost home! But it took time and (David’s word), persistence.

Yes, I’m very proud of myself and thank God for being so good to me. Now I thank Him back by walking on these beautiful legs he’s given me. When the weather is not favorable, I’ll use my Leslie walk at home video’s; NO EXCUSES.

Start your own streak, maybe 3 days without those killer sodas, or a week with at least 5 servings fruits and veggies, or come walk with me, 22 straight 3mile days.
Let me hear from you about your new “streak”, lets milk the summer for all its worth; why? Because Health Matters….

Blessings

Monday, May 5, 2008

AN INTERESTING DAY…THUS FAR
It was the best of times, it was the worse of times. LOL. My Monday morning started out wonderfuly, with my healthy breakfast of Fiber One Honey Clusters with soy milk, ½ banana, and bottled water and supplements.
I then proceeded to take my 2.5 mile walk around my neighborhood in God’s wonderful sunlight that I love. I can do the 2.5 faster now and I’ve started a streak, to challenge myself each day. When the weather isn’t favorable for outdoors, I use the inspiring Leslie Sansone videos, she’s the BOMB, many days I do inside and outside walking. I find my mood is very upbeat and I have energy to spare,I‘ve noticed I don‘t eat as much when I exercise….Love the walking.
I was feeling so good, ready to see Dr. Mitchell Schwaber, my ENT doctor. Two times a year I see him and I look forward to the visits because it was God who lead me to him back when I was sick. As I was sitting in the waiting room, feeling good and anticipating seeing my old friend, the nurse called me up again(always a bad sign).
She begins to tell me that because I didn’t get a referral from my primary care doctor, I would be unable to see Dr. Schwaber at this time. I’m on an insurance plan that requires this but had forgotten to call them, my mistake I know. The whole ordeal has really made me think about this “socialized healthcare” I would like to see a doctor when I need one without going through other folk. Suppose I had broken my leg(God forbid!), would I have to wait 7-10 days for the referral to go through my primary care doc. Does this make sense? What kind of question is that…..
Anyway, called my primary doctor, and will see Dr. schwaber the later part of June. This is life in the real world, more red tape and more control. Kinda like father knows best, but does he? That’s what “they” say…..Walk and stay happy!
Blessings

ENJOYING THE JOURNEY.......

I’m afraid I’ve been concentrating on the destination too much, and forgetting to enjoy the journey. I remember going home to see my parents in North Carolina, many times all I thought about was getting home to see them. This of course is good, but how about the journey? The great scenic route of the Smokies and all the wonderful sights on the way many times were overshadowed with “are we there yet”?…

Since losing weight again, I’m learning to slow down and “smell the roses” so to speak. I’ve finally realized that the journey is more important that worrying about the scale and how I look in this or that. I like myself the way I am, and continue to get better, this is a great way to live.

The journey is long, with twists and turns, sorta like going to mama’s through the mountains. But I’m enjoying the trip this time and not fretting and beating myself up, I’m happier and more content and its wonderful.

I think I may finally understand what Jesus meant in John 10:10, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”.

Enjoy life to the full, till it overflows. Enjoy the journey of life, the destination will take care of itself really. If we live unto the Lord, we will ever be with him, but until then, enjoy the journey……and enjoy life in the "here and now".

Yes, life is hard, but we do it hard and we still enjoy the journey of life. Thank God, Thank God!

Blessings

Sunday, May 4, 2008

I’M IN CHARGE HERE

One of the things I know is that “I’m in charge” of my life and pretty much of what goes on in it!!! That’s really good news when you think of it. Full responsibility, full accountability; yeah I think I’m right about that. It’s really easy to blame everybody else for failures and broken relationships and the like, while others play their part, I’m basically in charge of how I deal with my life.

I’ve found a good attitude saves the day most of the time. I’m certainly in charge of that piece of the puzzle and its my own choices that will make or break me. Oh yes, others stir in the pot but my focus must be on me and how I deal with my life. If I do wrong, I have an advocate with the father, make it right and move on. What more could we ask?

And even when bad things happen, and even when I might be at fault, I can still have a good attitude in a bad situation.

In the 23rd chapter of Luke we find the thief on the cross, dying a cruel death for the wrongs he himself had committed. Yet notice his good attitude in his bad situation.

While the other thief on the cross railed at Jesus, the other one reproved him for his bad attitude toward him. What was the difference?, both men were guilty, both no doubt had done terrible things, one had an attitude adjustment! Not because he got caught, but I believe because he repented, and received the grace of God to “do the right thing."

Notice how the thief asks Jesus to remember him when he comes in his kingdom! Repentance will do that, it will act in kindness and thoughtfulness. Jesus of course graciously honores his request with “this day thou shalt be with me in paradise…. A good attitude in a bad situation won the thief a heavenly kingdom. The thief was in charge of his life, even on a death cross.

I thank God that He has allowed me the opportunity to be in charge of my life, He made a way for me to make the right decisions that can propel me with victory in this life and the one to come!! Oh yes, I’m in charge here, I’m in charge here.

Blessings