I'm thankful for...

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving!  While I absolutely LOVE Christmas (the REASON, the music, the decorations, the spirit, etc.), I will have to say that THANKSGIVING is my favorite holiday. 
The reason I enjoy Thanksgiving so much is not because if the food... although that is definitely a perk!  Thanksgiving is my favorite because it is a wonderful time to reflect on all that I'm thankful for and also enjoy family time.  It's a reminder of ALL that my AWESOME God has blessed me with.
This year, I'm really focused on the who, what, and why of it all.  I'm not even going to begin to list all that I'm thankful for on here.  There's simply too many things to list.  I'd be here for DAYS typing it all out.
I will say that within the past year, God has immensely blessed our family.  We've definitely had some very high highs and VERY low lows.
Looking back, I see that God is truly good... ALL the time!  I am SO excited to see what he has in store for us.

One of the many passages I've remained focused on in the last year is Jeremiah 29:11-12... 

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."

It's so amazing to look back (and forward), and see how his plan is unfolding.  I'm seeing the who, what and why of it all, and I'm THANKFUL for all of it!  It's all... the good and the bad, the happy and the sad... part of my story.  Part of our story.  Most importantly, part of HIS story!!!

Another scripture that I've been focused on is one that has been my favorite since I was a little girl.  In fact, I learned it as a song at GMA camp in Gary, Texas.  I still sing the song in my head when I think of this verse...

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."    -Isaiah 40:31

I am thankful that the Lord has taught me to wait.  And I am still learning this.  I am also learning to ssslllooowww dddooowwwnnnnnnn......
I need to WAIT on the LORD and SLOW DOWN and enjoy where I am right now.  Stop being so anxious, and appreciate the who, what, why and how of RIGHT NOW!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God."  -Philippians 4:6

I am THANKFUL for these precious moments that my AMAZING Father has given me, and I am THANKFUL that I am where I am RIGHT NOW.
 
 

"Be thankful in ALL circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 
-1 Thessalonians 5:18

Trying Something New.

So, I have decided to try something new.  My eating is OUT OF CONTROL.  It's not good.  I'm not going to lie, I've gained...  TOO MUCH!
I'm not nearly back where I started, but I definitely feel like I'm starting back at square one.  Which is okay.  I'm not going to beat myself up over it.

My new plan is to gradually eliminate a consistent amount of calories each day.  

Until the end of the holidays, I'm going to try to eat approximately 100-250 fewer calories each day than what I have been consuming for the past several months.  This shouldn't be too difficult considering one coke has 230 calories.  We'll see how it works out.
I plan on doing more after the first of the year, or even after the semester ends.  Right now I just HAVE to focus on God, family and school.  :)

Simple... right?

Yesterday I was driving and thinking.  I cannot remember a time when I wasn't self-conscious.  My entire life has been a struggle with FOOD... and the way I look.

When I was little I was too skinny.  There is actually a picture of me somewhere and I'm so skinny you can see my ribs through my busily printed Strawberry Shortcake swimsuit.  I wasn't thin, I was skinny.  My parents did what most would do, and let me eat milkshakes, and cherries straight out of the jar just before bedtime.  Basically, they let me have whatever just to get me to gain some weight.  I consequently HATE cherries and am also not really a fan of milkshakes now.

Then second grade happened.

I'm not exactly sure why my body decided it was time to change, but it definitely did!  My first memory of seeing my stomach was in dance class.  I was holding the bar during the warm up and looked down and saw my belly poking out under my navy leotard.  I remember thinking "I've never seen my stomach before, cool!".
Hmm... not so much!  If only I had known the amount of grief this stomach of mine would give me.

My question is WHY have I allowed my life to be so consumed by something that is so black and white???  I mean, REALLY?!?
It should be pretty simple.  Eat less, exercise more.  But it's not simple.

I LOVE FOOD.  

I HATE EXERCISE.  

Houston, we have a problem!  I will definitely elaborate on this in the days to come...

"Take A Pill And Cook The..." Comedy By Mark Lowry

Chris August - The Candy Song

I heard this a few weeks ago on klove.  Very cute!

A new name???

So, I'm seriously considering a new name for this blog...

just found this quote...

"What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets.  I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?" 
                   ~Erma Bombeck, "No One Diets on Thanksgiving," 26 November 1981