That's what faith can do

A little over a month ago I started attending a women's bible study. Studying the bible in years past was never something that I was really 'into' or wanted to be into. I honestly did not know what to expect because this was my first small group. Of course I have been to Sunday school  and youth groups before in the past, but never participated in a small group as an adult. In taking the steps to join the group I was rather apprehensive; thinking do  I really have the time, am I in the 'right place' (spiritually) to join...an so on and so on. But I made the leap out of my comfort zone and joined!

This week I left the group with questions about what my vision for my life was and how to walk the path to get there. Often I find myself having day dreams, or having thoughts of grandeur but that is not what I am talking about by 'vision'. What I am talking about it the overall big picture stuff of life(my marriage, family, career, finances, everything!). The main focus of this weeks group was self disciple and how that applies to our lives and culture. First off I know self discipline something that I struggle with immensely UNLESS....I can see the goal in sight I often give in to self indulgent ways. So this got my mind racing.....about all the connecting point between the vision that I have for my life and self discipline.

Through the connection process the word that kept coming to mind was faith. What is the biblical meaning of the word faith? what do I put my faith in? without faith what would my life be like? And how is my faith connected to self discipline? In answering these questions it made me really deal with how I am shaping my vision and path that I am taking in life; and if I was to draw out my life's journey at times has been the straight and narrow and other times it is a chaotic maze. The constant that I have in my life is my faith in God.  Through applying my faith in God and yielding to obedience through self discipline and not my self indulgent ways is truly how my vision can be obtained. SO, the last question that I asked myself was, what can faith do? And I know that I don't have all the answers but this is what I have seen faith do: heal, offer hope, forgive, change what was thought to be the unchangeable.


Hebrews 12:11-13:
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet,so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. 

Morning Tailgate

This morning like most morning I met my Mom to exercise, chat, and get coffee. Usually we have to decide to go to either Peet's or Starbuck's...but, today she surprised me with a coffee tailgate! It was so cute!! It was a nice surprise to switch things up, and also offered a great scenery at Lake Elizabeth. It is really great to be able to sit back and just enjoy my Mom's company and a good cup of coffee. This morning's experience really made me stop and think of how blessed I am to have such a great Mom. For years our relationship as mother and daughter struggled and now we couldn't be closer. If I could go back I am sure there is plenty that I would change but the strife that we went through in the end brought us much closer once we could get past all the hurt and drama. This time that I get to spend with my Mom I will always cherish and hold dear to my heart. I don't like to even think about a time without her (but know that's reality), and know that our heart to heart morning chats will be a part of the legacy that I pass on to my kids someday. To be a fraction of the Mom that she has been to me...that is my goal.

Home Alone

Eddie has left on a jet plane...and landed in Vegas today! Of course it is bitter sweet, because I want him to enjoy his mini-vaca (here comes the but) but, its always such a strange feeling sleeping alone and having the place all to myself. It is always good for us to spend time a part because "absence makes the heat grow fonder" and we don't have kids yet so be free while you can (LOL). My only problem really with being alone at home is when it's dark. Here I am going to be 28 years old in less than a month and I am still scared of the dark. I could blame it on the shows I watch, our violent society, or the fact that the freaks come out at night; but I think it really boils down to its time to grow up and not be afraid. Instead of spending my time checking the locks and looking over my shoulder I am looking on the bright side. I HAVE THE PLACE TO MYSELF!! This doesn't mean that I'm going through a party of anything (maybe a cleaning party) but it will be great to relax and control the remote, and watch my chick shows with out contest!

You are always your worst critic

Some will say, "you are your worst critic" seeing what others don't see and being overly analytical. However, there is something to be said about observations and fact. Case in point, observation: It is funny what can motivate you, a picture from Easter 2 years ago is what did the trick for me this time around (*disclaimer: this is a bad pic but I could really tell a difference in weight)  Fact: I have put on over 25+lbs in  2 years! Motivation is something that I have always struggled with! Over a year ago I could not imagine eating half of the things that I have been consuming in recent months. Now, after all the months it took be to loose and be at my lowest weigh in, I am closer than ever to my original weight. My wedding served at the original motivation in loosing 45lbs the first time around and it is one thing when I put back on 5-10lbs, but now it's pushing 25+!!  Needless to say, my motivation has kicked into high gear yet again and I am recommitting to a food journaling. When I began food journaling, I used weight watcher, this taught me to be accountable in tracking my calories and it amazingly worked! Now, I gonna give the Daily Plate (Livestrong: free website). Today is my first day! Due to the fact that I scarfed down a doughnut, latte, and pastry I was intrigued to wait until Monday....BUT that won't change what I already ate and why wait! It's never going to be the perfect time to say no I don't want some cake or whatever goody is calling my name. Commitment and dedication is not something that comes easy but the payout is so much better than being unhappy or dissatisfied with myself. I will do my best to continually blog about my weight loss and chronicle the journey this time around. Hears to re-commitment to being healthy!

The never ending "TO DO LIST"

Sometimes I feel like my "To Do List" never ends and I cannot even  remember where it began. This all stated back in April when I really wanted to get a handle on the organization at home, and now I am realizing a need a daily "To Do/Check List" to keep all of this multi tasking together. With all of the events for family, friends, and work it can all seem so overwhelming. First things first, I need to get a calendar in my home and on the fridge!! And try to remember that I am not Super Woman and I cannot be in two places at once. Figuring in time for it all can leave my head spinning at times, and leaves me thinking....And we want to have kiddos in a couple years YIKES!! All in all I know that to do this all or complete my lists I cannot just lean on my own understanding, and the older I get it is not a curse or my time running out.

We are gearing up for summer birthday's, Art & Wine, Niles Flea Market, etc. etc. More to come..