Update

Well, I am halfway into week two of half marathon training.  I would say it is going well!  I am trying really hard to stick with it and do the runs during the week.  Last year I did not and I think that was part of my problem with not wanting to stick with the training program.  I cannot do this halfway.  It is all or nothing.
Have I mentioned IT IS HOT??!!!  But... I know it will be so worth it in October.  I have to keep my mind on the end result and not just right here and now.  I am planning on going this evening and I am already feeling unmotivated.  I know I HAVE to go.  It is not an option.  I was supposed to do two miles on Monday and three yesterday.  I actually did about two and a half on Monday (because of the trail we chose) and had to miss yesterday because Mike had two ballgames.  Tonight is not an option.  I will go tonight and do another two and a half to make up for what I missed.
I will be nasty, hot, sweaty, and most likely miserable, but I WILL go and I WILL FINISH.  This is one more decision that will get me closer to my goal.  This WILL happen!

"He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless."   -Isaiah 40:29

Beautiful Things

So this morning on the way to church, my five year old was singing along with the radio.  This was the song that was playing.  I would definitely say it was "Something Beautiful"!

Day One

Here goes... On my way to the first morning of half marathon training.

I decided since it is the first day I needed some pictures and some stats...

I weighed this morning... 176.8.  My husband told me yesterday that he really wants to lose 25 pounds and wants to start on Monday.  Let's face it, I am only 5' 1.5"... I NEED to lose 25 pounds!  This is something I know I need to do slowly.  If there's anything I have learned about myself, it is that I am NEVER a successful crash dieter.  I think we are going to try following some of the Weight Watchers plan.  We have all the materials to do it, so why not?  I would LOVE to be 170 by my birthday, August 31st.  That is totally doable!  If I am less, that is just a plus.

After I got home from the walk/run, I took some pictures of myself in the clothes I went in this morning.  I would like to do this again in one month.  I MAY post them then.  If you really want to see me, come train with us!

Today I walked/ran 2 miles.  I am not sure of my time.  By the end of this week, I am supposed to walk/run a total of 9 miles.  This year I would really like to stick with the schedule they provide.  Last year I did not, and I think that was a HUGE contributor to me quitting.  

After... Day one is in the books!  I made it!

One day, one week, one pound, one step, one mile at a time... I AM GOING TO DO THIS!!!

If At First You Don't Succeed... WHAT Am I Doing?!!!

One year ago I had big plans.  I set a goal for myself.  I wanted to run the Soaring Wings Half Marathon.  Well, guess what?  I did not reach my goal.  Big surprise, huh?  That is a HUGE goal, especially for a girl who has never even participated in a 5K.  

About a month ago, I started getting emails about the training program that I participated in last year.  I questioned whether or not I should do it.  Actually, the first few emails immediately got deleted.  I had NO desire to do this.  I was not even going to consider it.  I could give you a million excuses...

1) Arkansas is HOT in the summer!  Especially right now.  We are in the middle of a drought and have had triple digit temperatures for most of the summer (and it is only July 7th!).

2) I am fat and self conscious attempting to run with all the beautiful "crazy runner people".

3) The training program is early in the morning.  I am NOT a morning person!

4) The training program is on Saturday mornings, and have I mentioned it is early in the morning?

5) I do not even like running.

6) I did not finish last year, so why should I waste my time this year.

7) I am too busy to do this and do it right.


These are just a few of the pitiful excuses I have had running through my head the past few weeks.

The early time of the training runs are one of the biggest contributors to my not wanting to do this and also to me quitting last year (yes, I will admit I was a QUITTER!).  I am SO not a morning person.  

Since I am posting this, I am sure you have already guessed that I changed my mind.  I am not real sure why.  I do not feel the pressure I felt last time that eventually caused me to quit.  I am not fast.  I have no desire to be fast.  Whether I walk or run... I want to FINISH.

This morning is the first day of training and wouldn't you know, I have been awake since 4:45!  How about that?  It was not by choice.  One of my kids woke me up.  I was wide awake and decided to go ahead and get up so that I am not dragging at 7am.

I am about to head out the door to go to the first training session.  I will fill you in later on how it all goes.  In the meantime, do you have any tips or suggestions or words of wisdom to keep me motivated?

Here goes.. Wish me luck!

 

Happy

So, I do not have time to go into great details, but I sort of had this huge boost of motivation this week.  I will post more about it later.  The reason I am posting right now is because I am really happy!  I just finished dinner and entered my food intake for the day on http://caloriecount.about.com/cc/account/index.php .  I still have 169 calories left for the day!  Another thing that I think is cool is that it says my carbohydrate intake is too low for today.  SCORE!!!!!

Just 10

Thoughts???

http://members.doctoroz.com/challenge/the-just-10-challenge

Walk & Talk

"Martin Sheen, Allison Janney, Dulé Hill, Joshua Malina, Melissa Fitzgerald and William Duffy reprise their West Wing roles walking and talking their way into the Oval Office. Why? To pass one last initiative with the President: To get America walking."


http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/3dc51a407a/walk-talk?playlist=featured_videos

CONVICTED!!!!!!!

Wow!  Okay, I have to share what just happened to me...  

I bought a piece of carrot cake last night from the Celebrate Recovery table at church.  I knew at the time I did not need it.  My friend Shane even walked in as I was scanning the table and said "You don't need that." I looked up and spouted off all my rationalizations to her as she walked by.  Then I paid for my cake, 3 cookies, a Diet Dr. Pepper (yuck!) for my husband, grabbed a bottle of water for me (it is healthy, right?), and walked out the door.  Mike and I shared the cookies and I ate half the piece of carrot cake.  I wrapped up the rest with the intentions of eating it later.  

This morning as I was taking my daughter to school I noticed that I had accidentally left the cake in my front seat.  I immediately thought "Mmm... that will make an AWESOME breakfast!"  The rest of the way to and from her school I thought about that stupid piece of cake.  On Mondays, C goes to a different school for GT and I always LOVE taking her because I get to see the lake in the mornings.  It is always amazing and makes me reflect on how blessed we are to be back here in our hometown.  

Want to hear something sad?  I was so obsessed with this cake that I honestly do not even remember noticing anything about the lake this morning except two men fishing on a boat that was pretty close to the causeway that I have to cross to get back into town. 

HOW PATHETIC IS THAT???

So I get home, clean up the kitchen from the before school craziness, and stick the half eaten piece of cake in the freezer to chill it quickly.  I really like cold desserts with warm coffee, and I just knew that this would be the perfect breakfast during my quiet time.

I get out all my Bibles (I use several different versions when studying) and get the table all situated to sit, read, and enjoy my yummy breakfast treat.  

CONFESSION:  I mostly just wanted to eat the cake and get on with the rest of it so I would have done my daily duty of ready scripture.  I know... HORRIBLE ATTITUDE!!!

I get the cake out of the freezer and it is chilled to the perfect temperature.  Yippee!  I top off my coffee and sit down.  Then, I open up my prayer journal and begin writing.  All of a sudden I feel this guilt.  I glance over and see the cake and think "That's really not a good breakfast."  I begin praying for all the things on my list.

As I am sitting here praying I think about how I really should be praying aloud.  I do not know about you, but when I pray aloud it is just... well... different.  This may sound silly to you, but I feel a stronger connection when my prayers are actually spoken aloud.  Not only do I feel a connection, but I typically feel more conviction.  I guess it is because I am audibly admitting my depravity before God and myself.  So I then begin praying aloud... the tears begin to flow.  

This is typical for me.  I tend to be a pretty emotional person.  It is simply how HE made me.  Sometimes I love it (like during prayer) and sometimes I hate it (like when I am angry).  So I sit here and pray and cry.  It is wonderful!  My attitude about my quiet time ALWAYS changes after prayer, especially after praying aloud.  It is like my mind is saying "Okay, Lord, I'm sorry for having such a cruddy attitude about spending time with you.  I'm ready... speak to me.", and then I dive into the Word.  HIS WORD.

I grab my ESV Bible.  This is the one I always begin with.  I feel like it is more accurate than NIV, NLT, or The Message because it is a more literal, "word for word" translation.  The others are "phrase for phrase".  I have this wonderful ESV that was a gift from my brother and sister in law.  It is a journaling Bible, so there are large lined side margins to jot down all my notes and thoughts as I study.

Today is April 23rd, so I flip open to Proverbs 23.  I begin to read...

"When you sit down to eat with a ruler, observe carefully what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite.  Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food..."

Hmm... I glance over at the cake.  "You don't need that."  I first think.  Then "It's only half a piece, and once it's gone it's gone.  No big deal."  

I look at these first few verses again and decide to read again in another version.  Quickly, I shove the first bite of cake into my mouth.  Grabbing the NIV I read "When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony..."  I immediately think "gross... what am I doing?"  

Keep in mind I'm still chewing at this point.

Then I move on to the NLT "When dining with a ruler, pay attention to what is put before you, big eater..."  Swallow... gag!  "Seriously?! WHAT are you doing you "BIG EATER'?!" I think as I chunk the remaining cake in the TRASH!

Take that, carrot cake!

I know that this scripture most likely means that we should be careful when eating with an important individual and be cautious of what they may be trying to accomplish.  The thing is though, this morning that is not at all what it meant to me!

This morning, I sat down with MY ruler... my KING.  I was so overcome by this dumb piece of cake that I was giving in to this craving and allowing myself to cave into temptation that I KNEW good and well I did not NEED.  I seriously felt sick.  Like vomit sick.  My obsession was totally putting God on the back burner and causing me to focus on something other than HIM.  

So here I made one decision... one CHOICE to throw that mess away.  I also made the choice to gladly finish my quiet time CAKE FREE!  You know what I feel now?  JOY!  Thank you, Lord, for conviction to make a healthier decision!

I remember reading one time about a woman who prayed that each time asking God to allow her to be sick each time she ate something unhealthy.  Not like in a weird, eating disorder sort of way, just when she ate unhealthy things.. like CAKE.  I must admit, I thought this was a little crazy.  This morning though, I totally experienced some bad feelings that I KNOW were a result of conviction.  Has anything like this ever happened to you?  What do you think about that woman's prayer?  

Confession

Okay, so I have to admit something.  On Wednesday of this week I had a complete and total pity party for myself.  My bad mood pretty much consumed me the entire day, from the moment I woke until the moment I went to bed..  Do you ever have those days?  I just felt stressed and so sorry for myself.  Why?  I have no idea!

Here is what I do know.  On Wednesday, I decided to make a few changes.

1. Get back to reading a chapter of Proverbs a day.  I had been in a slump and putting it off.  There was no good reason, only excuses of busyness.  To be honest, I just got LAZY, and I truly believe that the reason I felt so awful on Wednesday was a result of me not being in the word.  I already feel more rested than I did on Wednesday.
2. Begin taking a multi-vitamin.  I have NEVER been good at this.  Taking pills is not hard for me, I have just never liked it.  I have used this an excuse.  It is time for me to take charge of my health and make a little more effort to take care of myself.  If I am not going to eat perfectly the least I can do is take a vitamin!
3. Drink more water.  This decision was actually made as a result of taking the vitamin, but something I have wanted and NEEDED to do forever.  I have to take it with a full glass of water.  That is one glass a day.  Here is another confession... I NEVER drink water.  Sad, huh?  Since I am adding this glass, I might as well add more.  I would love to totally eliminate soda, but I am not there quite yet.  I have not had one in several days though.  I can go a week or so without it, so it really is not something I would consider to be a problem.  Right now, I am trying to make every other drink a glass or bottle of water.

Want to hear something great?  It is Friday.  My slump was Wednesday.  I already feel MUCH better!!!  Thank you, God, for simple changes that can make an enormous difference!

Proverbs

A little over a month ago, I began reading a chapter a day.  This very precious friend of mine pointed out that there are 31 chapters in the book of Proverbs.  If you read the chapter that coincides with the day of the month, you can read it over and over again every month and really study the book in depth.  Now WHY have I never thought of that?!!

The really cool thing for me is that when I typically try to use any type of method with a Bible study or quiet time I will miss a day and then feel like I have to play catch up.  This can sometimes be very discouraging, especially if you miss more than one day.  That is when I typically will just continue to put it off and then end up never getting back into it.  With this method, you just read whatever day it is.  No pressure to catch up, because next month you will be reading it again.  Another great thing is that reading this over and over each month will help me to memorize and more easily recall some of what I am reading.
 
Now do not get me wrong, I know that I need to be reading more than only Proverbs!  This has been a great refreshing new start for me though!  My plan is to slowly start incorporating another book of the Bible in with what I am already doing.  The point is to stick with it and make it a habit!

Today is April 12th, so I read Proverbs 12.  The following is this chapter in the New Living Translation.  I like to get out several different translations and read it several different ways.  I also use biblegateway.com quite often.  It is a really neat website!



"To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.  The Lord approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness. Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots. A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones. The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous. The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives. The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm. A sensible person wins admiration, but a warped mind is despised. Better to be an ordinary person with a servant than to be self-important but have no food. The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel. A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense. Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot, but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit. The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble. Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards. Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies. Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed. Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace! No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. The Lord detests lying lips,    but he delights in those who tell the truth. The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness. Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray. Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find. The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death."




So here is one more change I am making.  The fact that I am doing one day at a time and one chapter at a time has really helped me to stick with it and stay in the word... HIS WORD.  Hopefully by being more diligent in this, I am not only making an outward change, but an inward change.

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Word of the Week = REST!

This week's word is REST.

Rest... WOW!  This is something that has ALWAYS been tough for me.  I have never really been one to enjoy slowing down.  It is definitely something I have had to work hard on the past year or so.  I have been making a conscious effort to SLOW DOWN and SIMPLIFY.  Now that it is happening a little more often, I am LOVING it!!!

Our pastor, Greg Sykes, taught us about rest on Sunday.  We have been doing a study in Hebrews for the past several weeks.  I am amazed at how applicable each week has been to my life RIGHT NOW.  Coincidence?  I think not!  This week, we were in Hebrews 4:1-11.

Here is a link to Sunday's sermon.  It was wonderful!  I am so thankful to be a part of such a wonderful group of individuals who come together for the purpose of glorifying our awesome God!


Here is Rest - Hebrews 4:1-11

Miss Wacey Gave Me a Fun Idea!

Miss Wacey... She was my son's Sunday School teacher and also taught him for a while at Mother's Day Out.  He called her "Miss Wacey" and the name just sort of stuck.  Miss Wacey moved to Washington and we sure do miss her!  Here's a silly picture of she and I at her going away party.

Well, to get to the point of all this, my friend, Lacey, has a blog.  Her most recent post included her bucket list.  How fun is that?!  There are many things I have always said I wanted to do.  I have never really put forth the effort to write them down though. 

I have decided to make myself a real list.  Yes, Lacey, I am copying you!  Maybe one of the things on my list should be to come visit you!  I will have to really think on what I want on my list before I make it.  It needs to be realistic, but fun.  After I make my bucket list, I will share here and also share as I hopefully achieve the goals and experience the fun items on my list!

Do you have a bucket list?  

Do you have any suggestions for my list?

New Hair is Motivating!

Well, I finally broke down and cut my hair off.  I really wanted to go shorter, but we're having family pictures in April.  I decided to go with something about shoulder length just to be safe.  

Getting a new cut has motivated me!  I had no idea it would.  I should do this more often... ha!  In ALL my spare time!

So here was one choice that is hopefully leading to more.  Hooray for new hair!

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, 

I know that full well."  --Psalm 139:14

Daily Devotional - Controlling Our Appetites

A sweet friend shared this on Facebook today.  I listened and felt the urge to share.    This is a devotional about 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and controlling our appetites.  One thing I really like about this website is that you can listen to the devotionals instead of only reading them.  Many mornings I will pull this up and listen to several as I am getting ready.  Hope you enjoy this specific one that I posted below.  It definitely hits home with me!

Daily Devotional

Blessings

It's President's day.  My daughter is out of school today, so I thought we (mostly I) would sleep in a bit.  I was actually wide awake at about 6:20.  Ugh...  Then my 5yr old son came and crawled in bed with me.  

We stayed there for about 15 minutes, both pretending to sleep (I wanted to sleep, he wanted to play the Wii).  I debated over whether or not to get up.  I WANTED so badly to sleep and I knew if I stayed there long enough, I would eventually slip back into dreamland... maybe he would too.

I began to think about all I have to do this week.  There is always so much on my plate - or at least that is how I feel!  Then I thought about our small group.  Last night we were talking about what keeps us from living out the Word.  What keeps ME from being a living sacrifice?

Romans 12:1-2 says 
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

You know what I decided last night?  Really nothing new at all... simply put, I am TOO busy.  Too wrapped up in "all I have to do this week".  I give too much of my time to things that do not really matter... things of this world.  What can I do to change this?  Keep in mind I am still buried under the covers at this point.

I am wide awake.  Why am I not DOING something?  By now, I have a mental picture of my calendar in my head.  I have so much to DO!!!

Wait... you know what you should do, Beth?  Get up.  Quit hiding in the bed and take advantage of this not so crazy morning!   

After all my debating and stressing about mostly unnecessary busyness, I got up and made my coffee.  Now I am back in bed.  There are pillows piled behind me and Bible study materials piled in front of me.  I saw the sunrise.  Did you know that if I open the blinds that are in front of the patio doors in my room I actually get to see the sunrise?  I did not!    

I hear my kids laughing in the next room as they enjoy their slower paced morning.  The birds are chirping outside my bedroom door.  The dog is snuggled up under the covers right beside me.

The most precious part of my morning just may have been when my 9yr old daughter came in to ask me a question.  As she was leaving she said "You look beautiful!"  

I know this will sound silly, but that meant so much to me.  Here I sit, bed head and pj's., no makeup and glasses.  My hair is piled on top of my head.  My Bible, journal, pens and hilighters are all over the bed in front of me.  The sunlight is streaming in the back door of my room.  She saw beauty in this.  What a blessing!

You know, if I had gone back to sleep, I would have slept too late and gotten up in a rush.  If I had not gotten my tail out of bed and taken advantage of having unhurried extra time with HIM... some of these things I mentioned would not have occurred this morning.

I am SO thankful for ALL the blessings given to me DAILY!  My goal this week is to SLOW DOWN and THINK about how I spend my time.  What do I give my time to that is really unnecessary?  What can I eliminate?  What can I decrease so that HE can increase?

 "He must increase, but I must decrease."  

-John 3:30

Fasting/Lent

Lately I have been contemplating the true purpose of Lent.  I am a member of a Southern Baptist church so I have never actually participated in Lent or studied up on its origin and what it is really all about.  I had extended family that was Methodist and Episcopal growing up.  I remember them always giving something up for the 40 days that preceded Easter.  It has always fascinated me.

Fasting is not something new that is on my mind.  I mentioned it in a previous post.  This has absolutely NOTHING to do with Lent.  I NEED to learn to turn to HIM when I am turning to FOOD.  I need to do this ALL the time... not just during this season of Lent.

Just for kicks I posted a question as my Facebook status today.  Here's a modified version of the responses I got...

"Do you participate in Lent? Yes/No? Why/Why not?"

"Yes 40 days of sacrafice and contimplation for. Christ. Why wouldn't someone do it after all he's done for us."

"Yes, I'm always looking for ways to simplify my life. For instance, if we give up TV, the kids stop asking, and I don't have to hear any arguing about what to watch. Simpler life=more time focusing on God!"

"Christ sacrificed everything for us. Maybe we should. What would be so signicant that we would be changed forever? Maybe TV/movie time and spend it in Bible study? What could you give up since you don't have any time right now?"

"I have a devotional book I read every year. I always learn something new about the Lord and His love for me. As for sacrifice...I find that if I deny myself something that distracts me from worshiping God, it strengthens my relationship with Him."

"As a former Catholic, yes I usually observe Lent. I give up something that is difficult to do without for 40 days, like caffeine, Cokes, or chocolate. The first few days aren't that hard, but around the third week, it's a different story. Imagine, though, that Jesus was 40 days in the wilderness, fasting that whole time, and devoted to prayer. What He sacrificed for us all is indescribable!"

"I do observe Lent. Alot of my reason is because I am conditioned to it and it's habit. But as i've aged and not had anybody prompting me to observe Lent, I notice that I reflect more on Christ's sacrifice. Not only do I give something up, I try and also add something beneficial for the 40 days. And though I'm not always strict on it, I do try and abstain from meat on Fridays throughout the whole year"

"I am a Catholic and I do observe Lent. It's a habit by now, but Lent is really my favorite time of year. Without darkness, without want, how can we know light and fulfillment? I'm looking forward to Lent and Easter this year."

"I grew up with lent services at the Lutheran church. I do miss that."

"I do not observe Lent. I am not putting down other beliefs but I feel it is...incorrect because of its ancient roots. The purpose originally was to "buy" the right to sin during carnaval/Mardigra. If I sacrifice now for these 40 days I can sin all I want later. I agree that we should be willing to sacrifice superfluous things to honor CHRIST; however, if we do it we should do it privately. View what JESUS taught about giving/fasting/prayer in Matthew 6:1-8. Great question"

Here's the passage just mentioned:

"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven."

 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.  But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,  so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.  But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."    -Matthew 6:1-8

"All of these are good points! I like hearing all the different perspectives."

"YES!!! A way to think and meditate, a way to make me more aware of what God has given me and done for me. Just my way of slowing down for 40 days and thinking about things bigger than me and more important than normal everyday stuff."

"No... Not saying it is wrong, just not right for me."

"No. We should have a continual relationship with Christ daily."

"I picked up the nasty habit of observing Lent in college. I guess I spent too much time around those Methodist kids! I find it is a good way to refocus, especially if you pick something that you do a lot, like Facebook, or soda. Every time you start to do the habit it reminds you why you gave it up."

"It's like a modified fast. Turns your heart and mind back to a focus on Christ and prepares you for the joy of Easter!"

"Well, for several years what I have done is meditate and study on what Christ has done for me. I spend time in the gospels. It is a time of emphasis, no real sacrifice...just a time to reflect and strengthen my faith."

"I think someone has it backwards.....mardi GRAS is BEFORE Lint.....thus the 'sinning' is before the sacrifice.....I have never observed Lint, but the more I think about it the more inclined I am to do it....privately of course."

• What are YOUR thoughts???

One at a Time

Yep!  I did it.  I changed the name... and the look!  I have been considering it for a while and finally decided it was time.  

After choosing a name, I decided I needed to change the look.  To me this choice is a little simpler.  Which is something I have been working on a lot lately.  One choice at a time I will SIMPLIFY.  I may even get simpler than this.  We'll see!

Recently our church held a women's conference.  Lisa Harper was the speaker and she spoke on busyness/simplifying our lives.  One of the things she said was that "being preoccupied causes us to miss grace and miss God... it is sinful!" 

"Be still and know that I am God..."   

                               -Psalm 46:10

This hit me like a ton of bricks.  Am I too busy for God??? 

Here Goes!

I started exercising last night.  Fun stuff!  Actually, it was fun.  I did 35 minutes of cardio, then some stretching and planks on a ball.  Today I feel it and it feels GOOD!

Not only did I get to exercise, I got to spend some good girl time with my sister friend, Holley.  We are going to keep each other accountable in all this. We each set the same goal of a 30 pound loss by my birthday.  It is very doable and much more fun when you're not doing it alone.

"Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble."   -Ecclesiastes 4:9-10


I figured out how to make a new page on the blog.  Now you can click on where it says "Stats" at the top and it will take you to the new page.  This is where I am going to be posting my progress.  It has my weight, sizes, and measurements.  I may actually post some pictures there too.  We will see!

Have a blessed day!

150 in 213

I am going to attempt something big.  This will require the support of my friends and family.  I would like to weigh 150 pounds by my 32nd birthday.  If I start seriously on February 1st that will give me 213 days to reach my target weight.

I need to lose roughly 25 pounds.  That is doable... right?

25 pounds in 213 days.

That is a one pound loss every 8 1/2 days.  I will just say one pound a week to make it easier.  If I really lost one pound a week, that would be about 30 pounds!  I will say a pound a week to give myself a little room to play with a pound or two.

I have not been 150 pounds since I was in high school, so it will be HUGE for me!  I have not really been under 160 pounds since having children.  This CAN happen and this WILL happen!  I cannot do it on my own though and I know it.  I need support.  Can you help with that???

Starting this Monday, I am going to begin exercising.  Hopefully this will jump start my loss.  I NEED to MOVE more!

I have NOT been very diligent about staying active.  The running thing did not work out.  I always found excuses.  This time WILL be different.  I am ready to feel better and LIVE better.

Wish me luck!