Workout Plan

I am making a decision in my life to start consistently working out again.  I don't have some impossible plan to become a size 2 (I will likely never be that size again), but I do want to start healthy habits that will last a lifetime (I hope).  I'm also reading through a book called "For Women Only" by Shaunti Feldhahn.  This book is designed for women to better understand the men in our lives.  If you are a woman and haven't read this book, I would highly recommend it.

The book addresses many topics that are focused on helping us women understand the men in our lives (i.e. how they think, why they do certain things, ways that we can best love and encourage them, etc).  The final topic, which I am currently reading about, talks about the fact that men do care about their woman's appearance, even though they would never tell us that they really do care so much.  A man will notice if a woman cares about how she looks and it emotionally affects him negatively if the woman he loves is dissatisfied with her body, but then doesn't do anything about it.  For example, if a woman complains about the extra pounds she has gained, but then eats junk food all the time, it is really disrespectful and hurtful to the man she is with.  The point is that it matters to him whether we make an effort to improve ourselves, not as much whether we actually lose weight - it's the positive lifestyle changes that matters most.

So, even though *most days* I am content in my body and feel beautiful, I am going to make a decision to live a healthier lifestyle to not only benefit myself, but also to show Bert that I want to look good for him, too - even though he said I already look great in his eyes (what a great guy, hey?).

This workout plan starts tomorrow.  I'll keep you updated about my progress and thoughts as I attempt to start this new habit.  :)  I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday night!

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100th Post

This is my much-delayed 100th post.  So much has changed since my last post...

I am still working at CHW, now 4 days a week, but still as an as-needed employee with no benefits or guaranteed hours per week.  This position has kept me busy and it has been wonderful, challenging, humbling, fun, and eye-opening.  I'm still unsure of what opportunities God will open up for me full-time at CHW, but I'm trusting His timing and praying for something to become available soon.

In addition to this, I went to Columbus, OH over Easter this year to visit with my younger brother and I ended up meeting an amazing man named Robert (well, Bert for short).  It was love at first sight...literally.  God has drawn us closer to each other over the past several months and closer to Himself throughout our long distance relationship.  Being apart from Bert has its challenges and struggles, but our relationship is strong and we both believe that this will be worth the wait.  We are visiting each other every 3-4 weeks and hope to live in the same state by May 2012.  Skype dates are also essential to maintaining our connection with each other.  In addition to this, we have grown even closer through doing a couple's devotional together.  I'm really excited to see where God leads us.

Student loans have recently gone into repayment for me.  I'm thankful that they are manageable at this time and am praying for continued discipline in saving money and budgeting properly.  This will be a continued expense over the next several years, so this is just the beginning of the 'JOY' of paying off my debt (not).

I don't think there is anything else to add at this time.  I'll try to be more consistent at posting, but I haven't been very good at this in the past either.  Dear friends, thanks for reading.  I hope you all have a wonderful evening!

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Love

Happy Valentine's Day!

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November Wishes

Today, I found myself spending a lot of time in prayer.

Prayer about resting and dwelling in the Lord.

Prayer for my family, who are both mourning and celebrating life circumstances.

Prayer for continued trust in God's plans.

Prayers of praise for who God is.

Prayer for contentment in the present moment.

As I spent time in prayer, I was reminded (once again) at how big our God is.

I am also reminded, and humbled, that God cares enough to listen to my prayers.

Yes, I praise God for who He is and all that He has done.

....For being faithful and loving me.

....For sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to take on all the World's sin and seal our salvation.

....For never leaving my side or going back on His promises.

But many times, I turn to God only in my times of need.

In times when I doubt what His plan is for my life.

When I'm scared about my future, or try to take back control.

In moments when I sin and feel guilty.

I wish I would praise God in all circumstances, consistently.

That I would praise Him, without thinking, in both good times and bad.

So, that is my new mission.

To learn what it looks like to genuinely and sincerely praise the Lord in every moment of every day; regardless of the situation at hand.

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Song of Hope (Heaven Come Down)

All things bright and beautiful You are
All things wise and wonderful You are
In my darkest night, You brighten up the skies
A song will rise

I will sing a song of hope
Sing along
God of heaven come down
Heaven come down
Just to know that You are near is enough
God of heaven come down, heaven come down

All things new
I can start again
Creator, God
Calling me Your friend
Sing praise, my soul
To the Maker of the skies
A song will rise

I will sing a song of hope
Sing along
God of heaven come down
Heaven come down
Just to know You and be loved is enough
God of heaven come down, heaven come down

Hallelujah, sing
Hallelujah, sing
Hallelujah, sing

By Robbie Seay Band.

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Life as I know it

I must admit that I haven't been the most consistent blog-poster lately.  Truth be told, my life has felt a little jumbled lately.  As many of you know from prior posts, I recently started Grad School again (my last semester-I'll probably mention this A LOT) and also picked up my part-time job at TMOC again.

On top of this, I have volunteered more time at my church and am trying to stay in touch with friends despite the craziness of life.

God has been doing a work on me lately too.  We're going through a 4-part series at church called "The Offense of Marriage".  Don't read this wrong- think of Offense as the opposite of Defense, not that marriage is offensive.

Through this series, our pastor has continually commented on the life of a single person in the church and how important it is for us not to feel "empty" because we are not married.  Our purpose in life shouldn't be to find our potential earthly partner, but to honor marriage, serve the Lord, and seek out God's plan for our lives.  I agree with this very much....but even on my best days; those days when I do seek the Lord and spend time with Him, I still feel like something is missing.

Does this mean I'm not as strong a Christian as I thought?  Do I lack the faith that fills my heart, soul, and mind?  Am I searching for something to fill the space that only God can fill?  I'd like to think that these questions are answered with a "No, of course not".  But, then why do I still feel like something is missing?

As I search my own heart and seek the Lord, I hope to uncover why I feel the way I do.  Why I long so much for a husband.  What if I am called to be single?  Would I be fully contented with singleness as my life's calling?  I pray that God opens my eyes to my own failings and fills me with the peace and love that I know only He can provide.  

In the meantime, I will continue to trust in the Lord and His timing.  I want to long for my Heavenly Father more than I long to live...now the question is how to make that a reality for me.  Suggestions?

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Visions of the Weekend

Here are a few pics from the weekend:

Crepes from the Pancake House.  I went to breakfast with my friend, Dan, on Friday.   It was delicious!

Friday night, I celebrated my friend Meghan's soon-to-be wedding with a bridal shower.  It was a night of fellowship, desserts, laughter, and heart-to-hearts.

On Saturday, I went apartment hunting...but was left disappointed.  It was fun to look, though!  And ultimately, I'm fairly certain of where I will live in May 2011 (which is NOT in the apartments I looked at this weekend).

After apartment hunting, I went to a late lunch with my friend, Trevor.  It was great to catch up and spend some time with him.

Saturday night, I went to Andy's apartment to celebrate his birthday.  Andy and my friend, Kelly, have been dating for the past several years.  They are a really cute couple and I'm so happy they are together.  In Andy's party invite, it was requested that we wear our lederhosen.

Lisa actually did:

(This is Lisa and Andy, the birthday boy)

Andy and Kelly at the birthday celebration.  :)

Oh, and I brought a Skinnygirl Margarita to Andy's apartment.  This drink is only 100 calories per serving.  And in case you don't watch 'Bravo' on Thursday nights, Bethenny (Frankel) Hoppy, the creator of Skinnygirl Margaritas, has a show called "Bethenny Getting Married?"  It is a fantastic show and Bethenny is wonderfully entertaining.

Yes, I did seatbelt the Skinnygirl Margarita in my car...and took a picture of it.

Keepin' it classy with plastic cups!

Sunday, I did the announcements at church for 1st service.  I always get nervous before speaking in front of 100+ people, but it always goes pretty well-with God's help.

After church, I came home...ate leftovers...watched an ABC Family movie...and then took a 2-hour  nap.  When I woke up, I ran a few errands and came home for the night.

I had a wonderful, busy, friend-filled weekend.  It was great!  :)  

Also, Friday was my parents' 27th wedding anniversary and today is Alana and Jordan's 1st wedding  anniversary!  It was also, obviously, a weekend filled with L.O.V.E.

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