The spring was always my favorite semester in high school. Stock shows, FFA judging contests and 4-H projects filled my afternoons and weekends. It also probably didn’t hurt that I knew that each passing day meant that summer break was one day closer.
In thinking back over my experiences through FFA & 4-H, I want to thank everyone that has ever helped support these organizations. Whether it was a donation of your time or assisting financially, it would not have been possible to do as much without your help.
There are some states, such as Ohio, that are beginning to phase out 4-H due to lack of funds. The non-profit program was established in 1902 and has the mission to empower youth to reach their full potential by working and learning in partnership with caring adults. The pledge that is said at ever meeting is, “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world. They have the motto of “To make the best better”.
The FFA program “is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education”.
FFA’s motto is “Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve”.
These organizations are near and dear to my heart and it is sad to see a 4-H club closed down due to lack of funds or an agriculture program closed at a school (students must be enrolled in an AG class to be an FFA member). I have seen multiple students gain knowledge and skills that they have used throughout their lives as a result of these programs.
As a result of being a member of both 4-H and FFA, I have a coffee table I built, a prom dress, two quilts, 10 state contest certificates, the ability to cook, nearly all my college tuition paid for with agriculture scholarships and I have the confidence to stand up and lecture to a class of 100 plus students at Texas Tech.
January 22 is the county stock show where both FFA and 4-H students will be exhibiting their animals that they have been working with since August. I highly encourage everyone to go watch the show, buy a ticket to the BBQ dinner and stick around for the premium sale. For those who are there year after year, THANK YOU for all you do! Other ways to help the FFA and 4-H clubs include donating your skills, materials, time and donations are always appreciated as well.
Have a blessed week!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
New Year’s Resolution: Staying Fit
It is always interesting to hear people’s New Year’s Resolutions. ‘Lose weight’ and ‘get fit’ are very common goals for the new year.
I enjoy staying in shape but I don’t like spending hours at a gym. Here is what I recommend:
Get Fit Daily Dozen – 12 moves in 12 minutes by Denise Austin for those who want to start a daily workout plan. While at school, I set my alarm just a little earlier and I use my laptop to play the DVD and use a small space in my room to workout.
The great thing about this workout DVD is the fact that it is short and sweet. Each day of the week is different including cardio – athletic fat blast, lower body sculpt and abs, cardio kickbox burn, upper body sculpt and abs, and yoga on the weekend. Small hand weights are recommended for a few of the workouts.
For those who have been working out and have some endurance built up or for someone who is looking for a challenge, I recommend 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels.
I just started this workout video and it is intense! There are three levels with each featuring the 3-2-1 interval system which mixes strength, cardio and abs. The 20 minute workout starts with a good warm-up, three minutes of strength, two minutes of cardio and one minute of abs then this is repeated two more times with different moves for each category. To end the workout session, Jillian shows stretches to keep the body in good condition.
If neither of these sound fun, go for a walk. We are having a very warm winter so throw on a light jacket and go exploring.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
This verse is focused on sexual purity, but I believe it is applicable to how we use our bodies overall. It is important to be healthy through eating right and exercising and that is exactly what my New Year’s Resolution is – to keep my body in a condition that is proper and pleasing to God.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
I enjoy staying in shape but I don’t like spending hours at a gym. Here is what I recommend:
Get Fit Daily Dozen – 12 moves in 12 minutes by Denise Austin for those who want to start a daily workout plan. While at school, I set my alarm just a little earlier and I use my laptop to play the DVD and use a small space in my room to workout.
The great thing about this workout DVD is the fact that it is short and sweet. Each day of the week is different including cardio – athletic fat blast, lower body sculpt and abs, cardio kickbox burn, upper body sculpt and abs, and yoga on the weekend. Small hand weights are recommended for a few of the workouts.
For those who have been working out and have some endurance built up or for someone who is looking for a challenge, I recommend 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels.
I just started this workout video and it is intense! There are three levels with each featuring the 3-2-1 interval system which mixes strength, cardio and abs. The 20 minute workout starts with a good warm-up, three minutes of strength, two minutes of cardio and one minute of abs then this is repeated two more times with different moves for each category. To end the workout session, Jillian shows stretches to keep the body in good condition.
If neither of these sound fun, go for a walk. We are having a very warm winter so throw on a light jacket and go exploring.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
This verse is focused on sexual purity, but I believe it is applicable to how we use our bodies overall. It is important to be healthy through eating right and exercising and that is exactly what my New Year’s Resolution is – to keep my body in a condition that is proper and pleasing to God.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Trusting God
Christmas has passed and New Year’s is upon us. It’s so great to hear people saying that ‘Jesus is the reason for the season’ around the holidays, but as soon as Christmas is over, does Jesus go back in the box with the decorations?
I’m guilty of this also – we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior and then the next week we look to New Year’s and what we want to do or change in the upcoming year. How amazing could 2011 be if we remember that Jesus is the reason for every season?
If we expect God to do a little, He can do a little. If we don’t expect Him to do anything, He won’t do anything because Jesus says, According to your faith will it be done to you (Matthew 9:29).
In 2011, what are you going to put your trust in – yourself, education, the economy or another person? Or are you going to trust God, the Creator and King of the Most High?
Matthew 6:25-27, 31-34 says ~ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I challenge you to trust God entirely – with all you have – in 2011 and keep Jesus as a part of your everyday life, then watch what he does in your life. I look forward to seeing and hearing about amazing things!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
I’m guilty of this also – we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior and then the next week we look to New Year’s and what we want to do or change in the upcoming year. How amazing could 2011 be if we remember that Jesus is the reason for every season?
If we expect God to do a little, He can do a little. If we don’t expect Him to do anything, He won’t do anything because Jesus says, According to your faith will it be done to you (Matthew 9:29).
In 2011, what are you going to put your trust in – yourself, education, the economy or another person? Or are you going to trust God, the Creator and King of the Most High?
Matthew 6:25-27, 31-34 says ~ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I challenge you to trust God entirely – with all you have – in 2011 and keep Jesus as a part of your everyday life, then watch what he does in your life. I look forward to seeing and hearing about amazing things!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Why Jesus is better than Santa Claus
Santa lives at the North Pole… Jesus is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh… Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year… Jesus is an ever-present help.
Santa fills your stocking with goodies… Jesus supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited… Jesus stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.
You have to wait in line to see Santa… Jesus is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap… Jesus lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn’t know your name, all the can say is “Hi little boy or girl, what’s your name?”… Jesus knew our name before we were born… not only does He know our name, he knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly… Jesus has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is Ho Ho Ho… Jesus offers health, help and hope.
Santa says, “You better not cry”… Jesus says “Cast all your cares on me, for I care for you.”
Santa’s little helpers make toys… Jesus makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but… Jesus gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree… Jesus became our gift and died on a tree… the cross.
Put Christ back in Christmas… Jesus is still the reason for the season!
I pray that God fills your heart with the love and joy that only His Son can bring this Christmas season. Have a blessed Christmas!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Santa rides in a sleigh… Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year… Jesus is an ever-present help.
Santa fills your stocking with goodies… Jesus supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited… Jesus stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.
You have to wait in line to see Santa… Jesus is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap… Jesus lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn’t know your name, all the can say is “Hi little boy or girl, what’s your name?”… Jesus knew our name before we were born… not only does He know our name, he knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly… Jesus has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is Ho Ho Ho… Jesus offers health, help and hope.
Santa says, “You better not cry”… Jesus says “Cast all your cares on me, for I care for you.”
Santa’s little helpers make toys… Jesus makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but… Jesus gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree… Jesus became our gift and died on a tree… the cross.
Put Christ back in Christmas… Jesus is still the reason for the season!
I pray that God fills your heart with the love and joy that only His Son can bring this Christmas season. Have a blessed Christmas!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
What if Mary had said ‘No’?
From Luke 1:26-38 ~ In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
What if Mary would have said “no” to the angel that appeared to her to announce that Jesus, the Son of the Most High, would be born through her? God has given us free will to choose what we do.
In verse 29, it Luke says that Mary was troubled. What if she would have dwelled on her concern wondering why she was chosen or worrying about all the details? What if she had told the angel that she would have to pray about it and get back to him?
As humans, we want to reason things out. We want to know the who, what, when, where, why and how of every situation.
God may not use us to bring His One and Only Son into the world, but He does use us to do His will. Have we missed some of God’s opportunities because we were reluctant to know it was the Holy Spirit leading us?
My personal prayer this week, and I hope you will adopt it as one of your own, is that I be more like Mary. When I’m being led by the Holy Spirit, my answer will automatically be, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”
Have a blessed week!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
What if Mary would have said “no” to the angel that appeared to her to announce that Jesus, the Son of the Most High, would be born through her? God has given us free will to choose what we do.
In verse 29, it Luke says that Mary was troubled. What if she would have dwelled on her concern wondering why she was chosen or worrying about all the details? What if she had told the angel that she would have to pray about it and get back to him?
As humans, we want to reason things out. We want to know the who, what, when, where, why and how of every situation.
God may not use us to bring His One and Only Son into the world, but He does use us to do His will. Have we missed some of God’s opportunities because we were reluctant to know it was the Holy Spirit leading us?
My personal prayer this week, and I hope you will adopt it as one of your own, is that I be more like Mary. When I’m being led by the Holy Spirit, my answer will automatically be, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”
Have a blessed week!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Stress-Free Holidays
Holidays can be nerve-racking, especially Christmas when people attend too many parties, spend too much money, eat too much, and are altogether too busy.
Tip 1: Set a budget. A lot of the stress around the holiday’s stem from money. It is very easy to spend much more than you originally planned. I recommend taking out a set amount of cash, that way you can physically see how much you have left. If you do your shopping online, Have a set amount that you will spend on each person. If the gift you have in mind for them is more expensive, shop around or find another item.
Tip 2: Don’t procrastinate! Get your shopping done ahead of time and wrap and tag presents as you go.
Tip 3: Have a plan. If you are having multiple Christmas parties with extended family, have it set when you are going to be with each one. Keep your gifts organized by which party they are going to in order to help the day run smooth.
Tip 4: Schedule time for yourself everyday – read, take a walk, take a bubble bath.
Tip 5: Stay healthy. It is easy to over eat during the holiday season but trust me, if you can set aside 20 minutes a day to take a walk or even just get outside and move around, you will feel much better!
Tip 6: Indulge. This tip contradicts the previous one, but I believe that it is 100% okay to go for the big piece of chocolate cake. This may mean an extra 20 minutes of walking or exercise for a few days, but you only live once!
Tip 7: If you have someone you are not looking forward to seeing, I recommend going into the situation with a positive attitude. Be the bigger person and if necessary, spend time in other areas of the house when possible.
Tip 8: And finally, take time to enjoy those you are around. Be thankful for the people you have been blessed with and remember the reason for the season!
Psalm 46:10 ~ Be still and know that I am God.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Tip 1: Set a budget. A lot of the stress around the holiday’s stem from money. It is very easy to spend much more than you originally planned. I recommend taking out a set amount of cash, that way you can physically see how much you have left. If you do your shopping online, Have a set amount that you will spend on each person. If the gift you have in mind for them is more expensive, shop around or find another item.
Tip 2: Don’t procrastinate! Get your shopping done ahead of time and wrap and tag presents as you go.
Tip 3: Have a plan. If you are having multiple Christmas parties with extended family, have it set when you are going to be with each one. Keep your gifts organized by which party they are going to in order to help the day run smooth.
Tip 4: Schedule time for yourself everyday – read, take a walk, take a bubble bath.
Tip 5: Stay healthy. It is easy to over eat during the holiday season but trust me, if you can set aside 20 minutes a day to take a walk or even just get outside and move around, you will feel much better!
Tip 6: Indulge. This tip contradicts the previous one, but I believe that it is 100% okay to go for the big piece of chocolate cake. This may mean an extra 20 minutes of walking or exercise for a few days, but you only live once!
Tip 7: If you have someone you are not looking forward to seeing, I recommend going into the situation with a positive attitude. Be the bigger person and if necessary, spend time in other areas of the house when possible.
Tip 8: And finally, take time to enjoy those you are around. Be thankful for the people you have been blessed with and remember the reason for the season!
Psalm 46:10 ~ Be still and know that I am God.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
December Holidays
From www.holidayinsights.com, here are a few holidays other than Christmas to look forward to in December:
December 4: Santa’s List Day. “Have you been good all year? Have you been Naughty? Or, have you been nice? Santa knows.
Santa's Elves have been everywhere, checking up on children all over the world, to see who has been naughty, and who has been nice. Thanks to the hard work of his elves, Santa now has two lists. The short list contains the names of a few children who have been naughty. A much longer list is filled with the names of children who have been good all year long. Which list are you on?”
December 13: National Ice Cream Day. “We found no factual information about this day. We suspect that it evolved from some local event. Perhaps a school ice cream social somehow took on an undocumented, national recognition as a special day.”
December 16: National Chocolate Covered Anything Day. “Chocolaholics rejoice! Today is National Chocolate Covered Anything Day.
Its a great day to indulge, binge, "pig out", and otherwise consume to excess, your favorite food....chocolate. We believe the timing of this day, during the holiday season, couldn't be better.”
December 28: Card Playing Day. “Card Playing Day is the perfect time to spend an hour or so playing cards with family and friends. And, it arrives at just the perfect time of year........ a few days after Christmas. The holiday hustle and bustle is over. The kids are getting bored of their new toys. It's time to turn to card games for a calmer, relaxing, and more slow-paced form of fun and entertainment. Spend the day playing cards with family and friends. You'll find its quality time with the kids that will create many warm memories."
And I want to share “A Morning Prayer” by Estella Wright Szegedin with you:
Lord, in the quiet of this morning hour,
Let me feel Thy love and power.
Let me so full of Thy spirit be,
That others can see the Christ in me.
Let me reflect Thy presence sweet
To every one I chance to meet.
Let me a friend to people be
That they, too, will search for Thee.
Let me add to this, Thy day,
Love and peace in every way.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
December 4: Santa’s List Day. “Have you been good all year? Have you been Naughty? Or, have you been nice? Santa knows.
Santa's Elves have been everywhere, checking up on children all over the world, to see who has been naughty, and who has been nice. Thanks to the hard work of his elves, Santa now has two lists. The short list contains the names of a few children who have been naughty. A much longer list is filled with the names of children who have been good all year long. Which list are you on?”
December 13: National Ice Cream Day. “We found no factual information about this day. We suspect that it evolved from some local event. Perhaps a school ice cream social somehow took on an undocumented, national recognition as a special day.”
December 16: National Chocolate Covered Anything Day. “Chocolaholics rejoice! Today is National Chocolate Covered Anything Day.
Its a great day to indulge, binge, "pig out", and otherwise consume to excess, your favorite food....chocolate. We believe the timing of this day, during the holiday season, couldn't be better.”
December 28: Card Playing Day. “Card Playing Day is the perfect time to spend an hour or so playing cards with family and friends. And, it arrives at just the perfect time of year........ a few days after Christmas. The holiday hustle and bustle is over. The kids are getting bored of their new toys. It's time to turn to card games for a calmer, relaxing, and more slow-paced form of fun and entertainment. Spend the day playing cards with family and friends. You'll find its quality time with the kids that will create many warm memories."
And I want to share “A Morning Prayer” by Estella Wright Szegedin with you:
Lord, in the quiet of this morning hour,
Let me feel Thy love and power.
Let me so full of Thy spirit be,
That others can see the Christ in me.
Let me reflect Thy presence sweet
To every one I chance to meet.
Let me a friend to people be
That they, too, will search for Thee.
Let me add to this, Thy day,
Love and peace in every way.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)