Well, we did it again. Day 2 is a success I'd say. And the great news is- the other 2 girls want to do this EVERY DAY! 5 days a week! Together! They are super motivated by the # on the scale and the contest and just wanting to be in better shape overall.
Some parts seemed harder today- but some were definitely easier. I did get a little light headed after a million Squats-so i stopped before I did shoulder & tricep moves...but I figure I prob need a few more calories in me before we do the workout- so my goal will be to adjust the eating a bit tomorrow.
Anyway- i think i want this to be my place of accountability. So maybe I'll be blogging more... afterall- this is WHY i started this blog in the first place...
to talk about my journey to become more FIT! (and why it hasn't had a whole lot on it in the last yr after I gave up on running)
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Biggest Loser
Swimsuit season is (too) rapidly approaching... as is the big 3-0 birthday (only 36 days away from TODAY! YIKES!) and while I'm not the BIGGEST size I've ever been - that was last yr- I haven't made a ton of effort/progress to get back to "normal" (whatever that is!)
So... since some of the ppl at work want to start an 8 wk Biggest Loser competition - I figure why not give it a shot and make some changes. There's no better time than NOW! AND ppl are going to be doing it around me so I might as well- while I have some support.
So last week I got online at Beachbody where a friend of mine is a "coach" and looked around. His wife (mom of 2- also 30) just completed Slim in 6 and so i emailed her for the real life- "how does that work w your busy schedule and 2 kids and is it really as good as it looks" perspective.
This is an excerpt from her email:
A co-worker and I did the workout during lunchtime yesterday - so that was fun! We started with the "Start it Up" video (which actually plays for 34 min - but still seems manageable). It wasn't totally easy- though the moves are simple - its just the endurance that was tough. I think I only did about 3 pushups in taht segment and def got tired during the lunges! But it was fast paced and doable. I think I'm gonna like it!
This morning I'm a little sore in my obliques, inner & outer thigh, and shoulders... thats gotta be a good sign that SOMETHING is working- right?! Today another girl is going to join us at lunch- so thats 3 girls trying to change together! (makes it SO much easier!)
I dont want to put too much on this in the early stages... bc its really easy for me to START stuff- but not as easy for me to FINISH! SOOO... just wanted everyone to know that i STARTED yesterday... and we'll see how it goes. I'm taking "Before" photos today and used the little tape measure they sent w the DVD's to measure everything too... bc i have a feeling i will see more inches come off than lbs... but we'll see.
Biggest Loser at Shiloh ends on June 28th. The one w the most % of weight lost gets cash! Cash is good! :) There will be a boy winner & a girl winner. I'm gonna try my best!
So... since some of the ppl at work want to start an 8 wk Biggest Loser competition - I figure why not give it a shot and make some changes. There's no better time than NOW! AND ppl are going to be doing it around me so I might as well- while I have some support.
So last week I got online at Beachbody where a friend of mine is a "coach" and looked around. His wife (mom of 2- also 30) just completed Slim in 6 and so i emailed her for the real life- "how does that work w your busy schedule and 2 kids and is it really as good as it looks" perspective.
This is an excerpt from her email:
You definitely have to be mentally prepared before starting a beach body workout because it definitely takes time!! I started with Sim in 6 and I think its a great beginning workout. It comes with 3 main workouts, a stretching workout, an ab workout, and 2 bonus workouts. You do the first one - Start it up till it becomes easy. I did it 3 days. Its only 26 minutes long. Then you go to Ramp it up, its 45 minutes long, and the finally burn it up and its an hr. I definitely struggled with the hr one as far as time goes but I mostly just did it when the kids went to bed.
Its not too much. I think its $60. Slim in 6 is a great way start - I had really good results!! I lost about 8 pounds almost right off the bat and I lost 2 dress sizes. I lost tons and tons of inches. When I started I could only do 5 pushups and by the time I was done I could 50. The good thing about Slim in 6 is it comes with everything you need.So... I thought about it, prayed about it, and tried to decide if I was really mentally READY to commit to something like that; READY to make a change in my lifestyle and be more active. After about a week, the thing that stuck in my mind is "2 dress sizes and tons & tons of inches." Bc at the end of the day- i HONESTLY dont care about the numbers on the scale... I just want to feel good when I get dressed in the morning. So finally- I bought it! It was about $70 after tax and shipping and arrived at my office yesterday.
A co-worker and I did the workout during lunchtime yesterday - so that was fun! We started with the "Start it Up" video (which actually plays for 34 min - but still seems manageable). It wasn't totally easy- though the moves are simple - its just the endurance that was tough. I think I only did about 3 pushups in taht segment and def got tired during the lunges! But it was fast paced and doable. I think I'm gonna like it!
This morning I'm a little sore in my obliques, inner & outer thigh, and shoulders... thats gotta be a good sign that SOMETHING is working- right?! Today another girl is going to join us at lunch- so thats 3 girls trying to change together! (makes it SO much easier!)
I dont want to put too much on this in the early stages... bc its really easy for me to START stuff- but not as easy for me to FINISH! SOOO... just wanted everyone to know that i STARTED yesterday... and we'll see how it goes. I'm taking "Before" photos today and used the little tape measure they sent w the DVD's to measure everything too... bc i have a feeling i will see more inches come off than lbs... but we'll see.
Biggest Loser at Shiloh ends on June 28th. The one w the most % of weight lost gets cash! Cash is good! :) There will be a boy winner & a girl winner. I'm gonna try my best!
Monday, April 26, 2010
He Speaks
So lately- I've been thinking about life and things we get ourselves into without really having any idea where they would lead or what they would mean. Its easy to look back on certain decisions and say- Oh ya- of COURSE that was the right one. I'm SO glad I chose it... and we forget the fight EVERYDAY inside of us on the way to make those choices.
I looked at my Fav Addison Road girl- Jenny's- blog this morning and the last part really struck me. I'll copy the last part here but the entire blog can be found HERE
I've been challenged recently in my obedience and I'm feeling rather introspective about it.
Obedience is so much better than we believe. We think we know best- I mean I know I do! (maybe I'm alone in that??)
"God- you mean you want me to go where? At what time? but WHY!? It doesn't make sense... don't you know that {x,y,z excuse for why its not a good idea or its not safe or its not worth it}... and you STILL want me to go!? Really?"
How often do we go through that and let the excuses and the logic out-weigh His Voice.
His Voice
Do you know it? Are you SURE when you hear it?! How can you become sure? What if you're wrong? What if you made it up? Can you trust what you hear?
Now I know there are people at all different points in their journey with God and in the way they hear Him. I've been on my own journey in this for the last few years. I've LONGED for the intimacy I believe my friends have with my God. I've STRUGGLED with insecurity bc maybe He just doesn't want to talk to me like He does to them. I've FOUGHT for time to spend with Him when I feel like I'm not "getting anything". I've WONDERED if i'm missing something or not good enough or 'spiritual enough' or something. I've DOUBTED the things I did hear and been afraid to write them down bc maybe I got it wrong.
BUT then through all the LONGING, the STRUGGLING, the FIGHTING, the WONDERING and the DOUBTING - I've LEARNED He wants to be found and He IS speaking. All the time.
He is excited when i get up and run to Him- just like I'm delighted when Nate gets up in the morning and comes running to me for a hug before he starts his day. Its sweet. That small (seemingly insignificant but oh-so-natural little thing) lets me know Nate wanted to see ME first before doing anything else (except maybe the potty!)
THAT is what God wants from us!! To LONG to run to His arms for a good morning hug. To wake up and He's the first thing we think of.
But HOW?
How do we program ourselves to naturally run to Him first? How do we wake up with Him on our minds?
I don't really know what the "secret" is or how you get there. But I can tell you- I think I finally am there! Its so much fun!! I want to spend time with Him! I want to acknowledge Him. I WANT to read his word in the morning (AND TRUST ME- this is HUGE for me!) and not just to check off some bible study - but bc I KNOW he's going to love on me, to encourage me, and to go deeper with ME!
How did I get there?
Spending time with Him. Genius right?! Who would have thought that its by spending time with soemone that we REALLY get to know them and then by getting to know them WANT to spend more time with them. Its such a FUN Catch 22! I think its the BEST Catch 22 actually!
But it has to start somewhere!
You have to make a CHOICE that you're going to seek him even when you
And then one day- You'll just wake up and before you get out of bed, you WANT to talk to HIM!
It won't always be easy, you won't always be flooded w deep revelation. I think its like a friendship w your best friend - sometimes you are "on" and finishing eachothers sentences and then others - things are a little "off"... but you still keep hanging out with the friend and {hopefully}it comes back "On" again and both of you are better for the dry season. Your relationship is stronger bc you weathered the storm. You have learned to love deeper and value what you have. And You believe its worth it!
So ask yourself: Do you believe its worth it to pursue God? Do you believe its worth it to seek His voice? Do you believe its worth it to be obedient when it doesn't make ANY sense what he's asking you to do?
I think its a daily struggle sometimes- but how bout today? Is it worth it?
For me- it totally is!
I looked at my Fav Addison Road girl- Jenny's- blog this morning and the last part really struck me. I'll copy the last part here but the entire blog can be found HERE
Did I have any idea what I was getting myself into? Did I have any clue that life would happen? Or did God protect me from that little piece of information?OBEDIENCE
Like he does before you have a baby.
Protects you from knowing how brutal the first few weeks will actually be with strange fluids, aching legs, sore breasts, the strange fear of defeat, utter exhaustion, and a complete certainty that the critter in the other room has stopped breathing.
Maybe that's how we do life. If we knew ahead of time, we would run. So, we live innocently. Freely. Without fear. And when we have to grow up. When we have to face the fire. When the flames get hot...
well, that's when we learn to fight another day.
We grow up because we have to.
But we are changed in the process... because we want to.
I've been challenged recently in my obedience and I'm feeling rather introspective about it.
Obedience is so much better than we believe. We think we know best- I mean I know I do! (maybe I'm alone in that??)
"God- you mean you want me to go where? At what time? but WHY!? It doesn't make sense... don't you know that {x,y,z excuse for why its not a good idea or its not safe or its not worth it}... and you STILL want me to go!? Really?"
How often do we go through that and let the excuses and the logic out-weigh His Voice.
His Voice
Do you know it? Are you SURE when you hear it?! How can you become sure? What if you're wrong? What if you made it up? Can you trust what you hear?
Now I know there are people at all different points in their journey with God and in the way they hear Him. I've been on my own journey in this for the last few years. I've LONGED for the intimacy I believe my friends have with my God. I've STRUGGLED with insecurity bc maybe He just doesn't want to talk to me like He does to them. I've FOUGHT for time to spend with Him when I feel like I'm not "getting anything". I've WONDERED if i'm missing something or not good enough or 'spiritual enough' or something. I've DOUBTED the things I did hear and been afraid to write them down bc maybe I got it wrong.
BUT then through all the LONGING, the STRUGGLING, the FIGHTING, the WONDERING and the DOUBTING - I've LEARNED He wants to be found and He IS speaking. All the time.
He is excited when i get up and run to Him- just like I'm delighted when Nate gets up in the morning and comes running to me for a hug before he starts his day. Its sweet. That small (seemingly insignificant but oh-so-natural little thing) lets me know Nate wanted to see ME first before doing anything else (except maybe the potty!)
THAT is what God wants from us!! To LONG to run to His arms for a good morning hug. To wake up and He's the first thing we think of.
But HOW?
How do we program ourselves to naturally run to Him first? How do we wake up with Him on our minds?
I don't really know what the "secret" is or how you get there. But I can tell you- I think I finally am there! Its so much fun!! I want to spend time with Him! I want to acknowledge Him. I WANT to read his word in the morning (AND TRUST ME- this is HUGE for me!) and not just to check off some bible study - but bc I KNOW he's going to love on me, to encourage me, and to go deeper with ME!
How did I get there?
Spending time with Him. Genius right?! Who would have thought that its by spending time with soemone that we REALLY get to know them and then by getting to know them WANT to spend more time with them. Its such a FUN Catch 22! I think its the BEST Catch 22 actually!
But it has to start somewhere!
You have to make a CHOICE that you're going to seek him even when you
- dont feel like it.
- have skipped a day (or a week)
- dont think you're 'hearing' anything
- see it as duty - not necessarily delight
- wonder what the point is if all of the above is true
And then one day- You'll just wake up and before you get out of bed, you WANT to talk to HIM!
It won't always be easy, you won't always be flooded w deep revelation. I think its like a friendship w your best friend - sometimes you are "on" and finishing eachothers sentences and then others - things are a little "off"... but you still keep hanging out with the friend and {hopefully}it comes back "On" again and both of you are better for the dry season. Your relationship is stronger bc you weathered the storm. You have learned to love deeper and value what you have. And You believe its worth it!
So ask yourself: Do you believe its worth it to pursue God? Do you believe its worth it to seek His voice? Do you believe its worth it to be obedient when it doesn't make ANY sense what he's asking you to do?
I think its a daily struggle sometimes- but how bout today? Is it worth it?
For me- it totally is!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Good Gifts
So I've been thinking about this for a while now but after today- i just have to post!
Good Gifts
Sometimes I think we find ourselves asking "Does God really want to give me good gifts?"
The answer- we know in our heads- is yes. Of course. He says so in his word:
Today I was convicted. Today I know he LOVES to lavish good things on us.
Why did I think God would goto any less trouble than what I would do for my friends, my family and especially my only child!?! Why would I think he just wants to give me the functional NEEDS (socks & undies) of my heart and not the DESIRES of my heart!?
Broken
So if you've been around me in the last 10 yrs at ALL, you know that I LOVE taking pictures. I adore it. It brings me GREAT joy to be able to capture the moments of life and then to go back and look at them later. I LOVE creating photo gifts and printing pictures for people. LOVE it. Especially when it was during a meaningful moment or event like Birthdays, weddings, and worship times. Something deep inside of me wells up when I get that "perfect shot" and I LOVE when my friends use MY photos as their profile pics on Facebook! I LOVE being depended on to be the "Shutterbug" as my friend Sarah called me.
So at my roommate's 30th bday party towards the end of the night in Nov, I let my child take a pic of me and some sweet friends (bc the only prob w LOVING taking the pics is that I'm rarely in them!)... and he dropped the camera. Not once, but TWICE on the hard wood floor. The lens made an awful noise and the screen went black and flashed "Lens Error". It wouldn't do a thing. The camera was dead.
My poor child didn't know what he'd done and he definitely didn't mean to destroy the thing that brought me such joy... but it was done. I put on a happy face (bc it felt silly to cry over a camera) and tried to just make the best of things for the next month... going into Christmas with my 4 yr old.
Past Gifts #1
My dad loaned me an old camera to use so I wouldn't miss out on too many memories... but it wasn't "mine" and it didn't take the quality of pics I was used to. I got through the holidays and the snow days (Nate's first time to play in snow) with some ok photos - and definitely was trying to be content... but at the same time I wanted MY OWN camera.
Then after Christmas- some friends randomly showed up at my house to "help pack". My roommate (who never takes pics) put a camera in my hand to "look at some pics" of something and then I ask "Who's camera is this?" and she answered "Yours."
It was the EXACT same model as the one I'd had and broken. Everyone is looking at me knowingly, smiling, and I just start crying!! I was floored w the generous hearts that gave THEIR hard-earned money AT CHRISTMAS TIME to buy ME something Iwanted longed for! It was A GOOD GIFT!! I was so moved and just so thankful for my sweet community and how they saw the desire and longing and sadness over my loss and met my deep desire!
Past Gifts #2
Unfortunately, that camera started acting up after only a few weeks (it was used off of Ebay) and basically stopped working. So my good gift was broken and I was sad again... resolved to not be able to take pics unless I stole cameras from friends (at events) and saved up for my own purchase of a camera. I stayed silent bc I didn't want anyone to feel bad that the gift only lasted a couple of weeks (and I wondered if I'd done something wrong or what?). I began to think that I didn't deserve the gift anyway so it got taken away. (A LIE!!!)
So then a month or so later, I went to a bday party outside of another dear friend and drove up and said out loud to my roommate "Man, I'm bummed I dont have a camera- this would be good to get pics of."... exit the car and another friend comes running over to me and says- I have something for you... So we walk to her car, she opens the trunk and hands me a bag. In it- I see a camera case. I'm stunned. I don't know what to say. She just said "Its yours!" w a huge smile and proceeds to tell me that she doesn't want it, she was going to give it to me before I got the other one, but didn't, and then how if I wouldn't take it, she'd be giving it to her mother. So... I accept and am FLOORED!! I happily snap away pics of friends and am filled w such JOY that God gave me another GOOD GIFT even after the first two were broken!
I think i read the entire book on the camera to learn what it could do and I was overwhelmed as I learned about all the cool "professional" things it could do! This camera was definitely a step UP from the last two. (God gave me better than I asked for- something he's done w me before w both Housing and my Car).
Things were AweSOME with this camera!! I was excited to take it to Peru... I began having so much fun learning it, snapping away and being the happy little shutter bug again... for 3ish weeks. Friday night- its taking pics fine... sat morning I take a self portrait and then it dies. Completely. Dead. What in the heck!? This time I'm REALLY REALLY sad... bc it was an even fancier camera that I KNEW i couldn't replace and it made me camera-less... AGAIN...
I really questioned God again... not believing that the gifts he'd give me were safe. IT even started to make me not hope for Good things from him... bc they'd just get ruined. (LIES again!) Being so deeply saddened that the gifts I'd been given randomly decide to break less than a month after I've had them...and when the 2nd gift broke- i was really wondering what the deal was... Did I not take care of them well? (I did. Didn't even let Nate touch them. Used the case, etc)... Does God not WANT me to have good gifts??? (That, my friends, was a lie. Of COURSE he does...) Did God not WANT me to like photography?! Was this a SIGN!? What are the ODDS!? 3 cameras breaking in a 4 month time period!? Who else does that HAPPEN to?! It was so frustrating and really really sad. Esp when I had to go through ANOTHER holiday (easter) without pics and then a Women's retreat too. Big events that weren't documented!! (I know- ppl think i'm goofy that i care that much about taking pics- but it mattered to me and made me so sad.) Luckily I got to snag a friend's camera for some of the wkd and snap some good shots!
God cares though. He cares about what I care about.
Today's Gift
So today i'm having lunch w a sweet friend. She's running late but says something about running errands. She gets here and tells me she has something for me - its in a target bag. I open it and am SHOCKED! Are you kidding me!?!? For real? You're giving me a camera? You can't give me a camera? This is a NEW camera? This is kinda a pricey camera! You cant' spend that on me!!! "God told me to a while ago... i was just a little slow to come through. Sorry about that! And look- it has a 3 yr warranty... so hopefully you won't have to be without a camera for a while!!" she said w a grin.
WOW!
God cares. God wants to give good gifts. Even in the "little" things (that was a HUGE thing to me!) We dont get ONE gift and then its someone else's turn. He wants to LAVISH us with GOOD THINGS!! (and not the socks & undies - but the fun things that make our hearts happy!)
I HAVE A CAMERA!!!!
Maybe now I can use this one for my all the time stuff (snapshots, events, etc) and one day soon get the other(s) fixed and either give them away or only use them when I'm trying to be a "serious photographer" :)
I really can't believe that just since New Yrs - this is the 3rd camera my friends have felt prompted to GIVE me!! No strings attached. I am SO blessed by the group of people I walk with every day. I'm blessed that they KNOW what I love and they KNOW me and they LOVE me both because they know me and in spite of the fact they know me.
Today, I'm just amazed at how God cares about the LITTLE things that we LOVE... For me- today its photography... and blessing me by the PEOPLE I've chosen to surround myself with. Today I'm thankful that My GOD gives good gifts. And today i'm believing he'll give you your heart's desire too!! Don't believe the lies!! He loves you because he loves you because he loves you because he loves you.
Good Gifts
Sometimes I think we find ourselves asking "Does God really want to give me good gifts?"
The answer- we know in our heads- is yes. Of course. He says so in his word:
But does he really mean the things we REALLY long for? Or is this just like the necessary gifts- like the obligatory socks & undies from mom and dad at Christmas.Matthew 7:11 (New International Version)
11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Today I was convicted. Today I know he LOVES to lavish good things on us.
James 1:17 (New International Version)
17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.Think about the "Perfect Gift". You know you've searched for it. Whether its for your Best friend's Wedding or for your Mom on Mothers Day or for your Sister on her Birthday or your Child at Christmas... You've searched long and hard to find JUST the PERFECT thing... the gift that they will LOVE above all others... the thing that will bring them great joy... the thing that shows you KNOW them well. (and that "something" is not socks & undies!!)
Why did I think God would goto any less trouble than what I would do for my friends, my family and especially my only child!?! Why would I think he just wants to give me the functional NEEDS (socks & undies) of my heart and not the DESIRES of my heart!?
Broken
So if you've been around me in the last 10 yrs at ALL, you know that I LOVE taking pictures. I adore it. It brings me GREAT joy to be able to capture the moments of life and then to go back and look at them later. I LOVE creating photo gifts and printing pictures for people. LOVE it. Especially when it was during a meaningful moment or event like Birthdays, weddings, and worship times. Something deep inside of me wells up when I get that "perfect shot" and I LOVE when my friends use MY photos as their profile pics on Facebook! I LOVE being depended on to be the "Shutterbug" as my friend Sarah called me.
So at my roommate's 30th bday party towards the end of the night in Nov, I let my child take a pic of me and some sweet friends (bc the only prob w LOVING taking the pics is that I'm rarely in them!)... and he dropped the camera. Not once, but TWICE on the hard wood floor. The lens made an awful noise and the screen went black and flashed "Lens Error". It wouldn't do a thing. The camera was dead.
My poor child didn't know what he'd done and he definitely didn't mean to destroy the thing that brought me such joy... but it was done. I put on a happy face (bc it felt silly to cry over a camera) and tried to just make the best of things for the next month... going into Christmas with my 4 yr old.
Past Gifts #1
My dad loaned me an old camera to use so I wouldn't miss out on too many memories... but it wasn't "mine" and it didn't take the quality of pics I was used to. I got through the holidays and the snow days (Nate's first time to play in snow) with some ok photos - and definitely was trying to be content... but at the same time I wanted MY OWN camera.
Then after Christmas- some friends randomly showed up at my house to "help pack". My roommate (who never takes pics) put a camera in my hand to "look at some pics" of something and then I ask "Who's camera is this?" and she answered "Yours."
It was the EXACT same model as the one I'd had and broken. Everyone is looking at me knowingly, smiling, and I just start crying!! I was floored w the generous hearts that gave THEIR hard-earned money AT CHRISTMAS TIME to buy ME something I
Past Gifts #2
Unfortunately, that camera started acting up after only a few weeks (it was used off of Ebay) and basically stopped working. So my good gift was broken and I was sad again... resolved to not be able to take pics unless I stole cameras from friends (at events) and saved up for my own purchase of a camera. I stayed silent bc I didn't want anyone to feel bad that the gift only lasted a couple of weeks (and I wondered if I'd done something wrong or what?). I began to think that I didn't deserve the gift anyway so it got taken away. (A LIE!!!)
So then a month or so later, I went to a bday party outside of another dear friend and drove up and said out loud to my roommate "Man, I'm bummed I dont have a camera- this would be good to get pics of."... exit the car and another friend comes running over to me and says- I have something for you... So we walk to her car, she opens the trunk and hands me a bag. In it- I see a camera case. I'm stunned. I don't know what to say. She just said "Its yours!" w a huge smile and proceeds to tell me that she doesn't want it, she was going to give it to me before I got the other one, but didn't, and then how if I wouldn't take it, she'd be giving it to her mother. So... I accept and am FLOORED!! I happily snap away pics of friends and am filled w such JOY that God gave me another GOOD GIFT even after the first two were broken!
I think i read the entire book on the camera to learn what it could do and I was overwhelmed as I learned about all the cool "professional" things it could do! This camera was definitely a step UP from the last two. (God gave me better than I asked for- something he's done w me before w both Housing and my Car).
Things were AweSOME with this camera!! I was excited to take it to Peru... I began having so much fun learning it, snapping away and being the happy little shutter bug again... for 3ish weeks. Friday night- its taking pics fine... sat morning I take a self portrait and then it dies. Completely. Dead. What in the heck!? This time I'm REALLY REALLY sad... bc it was an even fancier camera that I KNEW i couldn't replace and it made me camera-less... AGAIN...
I really questioned God again... not believing that the gifts he'd give me were safe. IT even started to make me not hope for Good things from him... bc they'd just get ruined. (LIES again!) Being so deeply saddened that the gifts I'd been given randomly decide to break less than a month after I've had them...and when the 2nd gift broke- i was really wondering what the deal was... Did I not take care of them well? (I did. Didn't even let Nate touch them. Used the case, etc)... Does God not WANT me to have good gifts??? (That, my friends, was a lie. Of COURSE he does...) Did God not WANT me to like photography?! Was this a SIGN!? What are the ODDS!? 3 cameras breaking in a 4 month time period!? Who else does that HAPPEN to?! It was so frustrating and really really sad. Esp when I had to go through ANOTHER holiday (easter) without pics and then a Women's retreat too. Big events that weren't documented!! (I know- ppl think i'm goofy that i care that much about taking pics- but it mattered to me and made me so sad.) Luckily I got to snag a friend's camera for some of the wkd and snap some good shots!
God cares though. He cares about what I care about.
Today's Gift
So today i'm having lunch w a sweet friend. She's running late but says something about running errands. She gets here and tells me she has something for me - its in a target bag. I open it and am SHOCKED! Are you kidding me!?!? For real? You're giving me a camera? You can't give me a camera? This is a NEW camera? This is kinda a pricey camera! You cant' spend that on me!!! "God told me to a while ago... i was just a little slow to come through. Sorry about that! And look- it has a 3 yr warranty... so hopefully you won't have to be without a camera for a while!!" she said w a grin.
WOW!
God cares. God wants to give good gifts. Even in the "little" things (that was a HUGE thing to me!) We dont get ONE gift and then its someone else's turn. He wants to LAVISH us with GOOD THINGS!! (and not the socks & undies - but the fun things that make our hearts happy!)
I HAVE A CAMERA!!!!
Maybe now I can use this one for my all the time stuff (snapshots, events, etc) and one day soon get the other(s) fixed and either give them away or only use them when I'm trying to be a "serious photographer" :)
I really can't believe that just since New Yrs - this is the 3rd camera my friends have felt prompted to GIVE me!! No strings attached. I am SO blessed by the group of people I walk with every day. I'm blessed that they KNOW what I love and they KNOW me and they LOVE me both because they know me and in spite of the fact they know me.
Today, I'm just amazed at how God cares about the LITTLE things that we LOVE... For me- today its photography... and blessing me by the PEOPLE I've chosen to surround myself with. Today I'm thankful that My GOD gives good gifts. And today i'm believing he'll give you your heart's desire too!! Don't believe the lies!! He loves you because he loves you because he loves you because he loves you.
Romans 5:5 (New International Version)
5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Thought this was really good
Ok so obviously i'm not married- yet... but thought this was REALLY good and said things that I believe all men/husbands should hear (often?). Just wanted to share. Feel free to leave your feedback...
An Open Letter to my Husband
A woman who feels desired is many things:
She is less likely to reach frustration with
you
or the children
or the cat
or the dog.
She is more likely to feel like an important part of
your life
and the home you share
and the children you created together.
She is more likely to look at her own body
and instead of feeling disgust at the way it has changed
since bringing your children into the world,
she is more likely to remember the feel of
your hands on her hips
or trailing down her spine
or the way that you pull her in
and fit her perfectly into the spaces of your own form.
A woman who feels desired
is so much easier to sit across the table from
as she is less likely to be judging
her own skin
her own curves
her own worth
her place in the bed that you share.
She is more likely to care for the body she has been given,
feed it good, whole foods
put it to frequent use in the garden
enjoy the pull of muscle
and increasing strength
as she carries ever-growing children
and becomes more confident with household repairs.
A woman who feels desired will rear children
who see their bodies as perfect works of art
that should be celebrated
respected
and capable of love.
It takes very little to make a woman feel desired.
It does not require
expensive jewelery
exotic flowers
pages of poems
romantic dates
or even dramatic words.
You can tell a woman you desire her
with nothing more than a look
a simple touch
a well placed word
and by listening to what she's saying
and then responding appropriately.
Without those simple things
even a strong woman may start to feel
less.
And less leads to
depression
self loathing
anger
frustration
bad parenting
and a marriage
that may not last the next five years.
So when your wife asks you,
"Do you find me sexy?"
the answer should never be
a long pause
followed by a apologetic
"I just love you."
Lie to me
if you have to,
but tell me "yes"
and then watch
as my confidence continues
to bloom
and my heart stays open
even when the world
is throwing us curve balls.
Because sometimes,
a woman needs to know she is desired
or she'll start to believe
it is no longer true.
An Open Letter to my Husband
A woman who feels desired is many things:
She is less likely to reach frustration with
you
or the children
or the cat
or the dog.
She is more likely to feel like an important part of
your life
and the home you share
and the children you created together.
She is more likely to look at her own body
and instead of feeling disgust at the way it has changed
since bringing your children into the world,
she is more likely to remember the feel of
your hands on her hips
or trailing down her spine
or the way that you pull her in
and fit her perfectly into the spaces of your own form.
A woman who feels desired
is so much easier to sit across the table from
as she is less likely to be judging
her own skin
her own curves
her own worth
her place in the bed that you share.
She is more likely to care for the body she has been given,
feed it good, whole foods
put it to frequent use in the garden
enjoy the pull of muscle
and increasing strength
as she carries ever-growing children
and becomes more confident with household repairs.
A woman who feels desired will rear children
who see their bodies as perfect works of art
that should be celebrated
respected
and capable of love.
It takes very little to make a woman feel desired.
It does not require
expensive jewelery
exotic flowers
pages of poems
romantic dates
or even dramatic words.
You can tell a woman you desire her
with nothing more than a look
a simple touch
a well placed word
and by listening to what she's saying
and then responding appropriately.
Without those simple things
even a strong woman may start to feel
less.
And less leads to
depression
self loathing
anger
frustration
bad parenting
and a marriage
that may not last the next five years.
So when your wife asks you,
"Do you find me sexy?"
the answer should never be
a long pause
followed by a apologetic
"I just love you."
Lie to me
if you have to,
but tell me "yes"
and then watch
as my confidence continues
to bloom
and my heart stays open
even when the world
is throwing us curve balls.
Because sometimes,
a woman needs to know she is desired
or she'll start to believe
it is no longer true.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
RV Flames and Worldly possessions
Ok so I've sent what few readers I may have over to Jenny Simmons Blog (of Addison Road) several times for interesting stories, perspective, etc...
But today- I'm sending you there to pray for her and to help in any way you can. She and her band just headed out on tour last week and long story short- all of her worldly possessions were moved to an RV that later burst into flames destroying EVERYTHING she owns- including some brand new makeup that God just blessed her with, ALL her baby "gear" - monitors, diapers, clothes, toys, etc, and all their bands sound equip & Merch (which is how they make money on the road).
I can't imagine being in this situation and it seems completely devestating. As a mom- think about how you would feel if ALL of your baby's cutest outfits, blankets, toys, etc were lost in moments.... your favorite bible with the notes written in them... your whole world.... and then please say a prayer for this family who's life is all about using their God-given talents for His glory and helping people grow closer to Him. She needs OUR help to lift her up and pray against attack, against discouragement. She needs the Body to help her see God's goodness. So i'm asking that RIGHT NOW (as in STOP reading, surfing the net, etc at this Moment- now!) that we all Pray for their provision, comfort, and supernatural love & support. And then pray about how God would have you help. Do you have baby "gear" that might be a blessing to little Annie? Do you have a couple extra dollars to spare? Can you forgo your Starbucks or Chick Fil A today to give just $5 or $10 even so that Jenny and her family can start to rebuild what was lost?
Jenny has championed SEVERAL causes to try to unselfishly raise money for others: Jenny Bizaillion, Katie in Uganda and more. I just figured I'd try to get the word out about her cause!
Thanks for praying for Jenny.
Jenny's Blog
Band Blog w Pics of the fire
But today- I'm sending you there to pray for her and to help in any way you can. She and her band just headed out on tour last week and long story short- all of her worldly possessions were moved to an RV that later burst into flames destroying EVERYTHING she owns- including some brand new makeup that God just blessed her with, ALL her baby "gear" - monitors, diapers, clothes, toys, etc, and all their bands sound equip & Merch (which is how they make money on the road).
I can't imagine being in this situation and it seems completely devestating. As a mom- think about how you would feel if ALL of your baby's cutest outfits, blankets, toys, etc were lost in moments.... your favorite bible with the notes written in them... your whole world.... and then please say a prayer for this family who's life is all about using their God-given talents for His glory and helping people grow closer to Him. She needs OUR help to lift her up and pray against attack, against discouragement. She needs the Body to help her see God's goodness. So i'm asking that RIGHT NOW (as in STOP reading, surfing the net, etc at this Moment- now!) that we all Pray for their provision, comfort, and supernatural love & support. And then pray about how God would have you help. Do you have baby "gear" that might be a blessing to little Annie? Do you have a couple extra dollars to spare? Can you forgo your Starbucks or Chick Fil A today to give just $5 or $10 even so that Jenny and her family can start to rebuild what was lost?
Jenny has championed SEVERAL causes to try to unselfishly raise money for others: Jenny Bizaillion, Katie in Uganda and more. I just figured I'd try to get the word out about her cause!
Thanks for praying for Jenny.
Jenny's Blog
Band Blog w Pics of the fire
Friday, February 19, 2010
I love free! FREE MOVIES!!
Free Movie Tix for 2 - no strings!! just use by March 4!
I just love free stuff... so one of my awesome friends sent me this link (hyperlinked above) and it works people!! You get a ticket w a barcode (1 barcode per email address) and you can goto the movies at the Studio Movie Grill near you for FREE!!! (sure they'll get ya on the food and drink service if you let them... but have you SEEN how expensive movies are these days?! SERIUOSLY!?)
So there ya go- you're welcome! :)
This is a feb special and you have ot goto the movies by March 4th... so get a sitter and plan a date w your hubs or your bff or whoever!!
Enjoy! Let me know what movie you go see!
I just love free stuff... so one of my awesome friends sent me this link (hyperlinked above) and it works people!! You get a ticket w a barcode (1 barcode per email address) and you can goto the movies at the Studio Movie Grill near you for FREE!!! (sure they'll get ya on the food and drink service if you let them... but have you SEEN how expensive movies are these days?! SERIUOSLY!?)
So there ya go- you're welcome! :)
This is a feb special and you have ot goto the movies by March 4th... so get a sitter and plan a date w your hubs or your bff or whoever!!
Enjoy! Let me know what movie you go see!
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