God is still good

We are all well aware of the fact that our world is on a state of disfunction. This is sadly a reality of living in a world with an enemy who lives and thrives on brokenness, hatred, dissension, and pain.

Dissension is the biggest one being brought to the forefront. No one is able to turn anywhere without seeing it. Dissension is absolutely everywhere. 

Every day it seems that a new story comes out that has strong feelings and beliefs on both sides. The next more astonishing than the one before. With each of these stories the wedge is being driven down further and further. 

We see many whom we love in heated debates, arguments even over subjects that, in the end, likely won't directly effect them or anyone they know. These fights leave every party exhausted, always on the brink of defeat, bruised and even more broken than before. So many of us want to make their point known with little interest in having civil conversations about it and actually listening to another viewpoint.

Our country is so polarized over everything it possibly could be. It is literally killing us from the inside out. 

Heres the thing though. These are wars that we were never meant to fight. They are not ours to fight. God is fighting and will continue to fight until He has won.

We are called to many things and arguing over worldly happenings is not one of them.

Where there is brokenness we are called into restoration.
Where there is hatred we are called to love.
Where there is fear we are called to have faith.
Where there is dissension, we are called to seek peace and unity.
Where there is pain, we are called to the Healer.
Where there is Satan, we are to call upon God to usher in. To redeem and restore what is already His.

This is not how the world was ever meant to be, but being a Christian in this world we don't need to fear. We are told in John 16:33 "...in this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." No matter how ugly this world gets we can take heart because God has already conquered anything we will encounter.

Finding Balance

Since the holidays, I've been feeling off kilter. Not the normal post holiday blues. This one has been hitting a little more each day.

To say this month has had it's twists and turns would be an understatement. Through all the things that seem to be coming this way, I realize that now is the best time to start implementing my best yes.

I knew there was a reason for that book.

The word I was given this year was self. Walking into it I thought I knew what it meant. In my mind, it meant getting in shape, eating better, getting into a better groove with my quiet time, rediscovering passions and hobbies. All good things.

I'm learning that this season is going to be one of evaluating. What have I said yes to that, while essentially good, isn't a yes I need to follow. What things do I, at least for a season, need to give up. Where have I over committed myself? How does saying yes to _________ impact my well being? My family.

This season won't be an easy one. I like to say yes to things that interest me, but I need to say no, or not now, to some things. That is okay. It's more than okay, it's great.

This year, my word is self. The more I think about it, the more I discuss it with others, I need to focus as much on my family as I do myself. I need to learn to say no to things that will take too much time away from them.

While still focusing on becoming a healthier me, I also need to make an effort to be a healthier family. Spend time with the amazing husband I've been blessed with. Play with and teach our too-smart-for-his-age two year old. Family nights. Date nights. Me night. All these things play into rediscovering self.

How has your new year shaped up so far?

Welcoming in 2015

I shared a couple days ago about my one word for 2015. While mulling over exactly how rediscovering myself should look a couple things came to mind. The first was a song. A song I know I've shared here before. The lyrics of this song were once again brought to my attention on the 28th:

[caption id="attachment_1664" align="aligncenter" width="225"] "The Real Me" by Natalie Grant. Listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bRGfId9quY[/caption]

Even though this song was written to help the artist with a very real struggle with bulimia, I believe that so many of us can relate to the struggle of just wanting to find ourselves outside of our circumstance. That's the beauty of music, the words can impact so many people in different ways.

Along with this song, there was something else that came into my mind. Scripture. One I'd become very much  familiar with several years back. In fact, it's been the focus of several books I've read over the last several years. However, this time, it's come to life so much more.



These two tools, combined with the focus of rediscovering what self means to me, are sure to help. A few other steps I'm planning to take on this journey:

• Set a consistent time to wake up each morning
  
  
  
  • enough time for breakfast and quiet time
  
  
  
  


• Discover a way to become more active and stick to it


• Write consistently. Either here or in a journal I received for Christmas


• Read books. All the way to the end.


• Take time monthly (more frequently if needed) and do something to refresh myself


• Crochet again


• Make girl time a must

Do you have any goals for this year? Any hopes and dreams that are beginning to take shape?

New Year, New me

The past several years I have participated in the One Word challenge. Having a focus for each year has helped in many ways. I started fully participating in it in 2012 with the word limitless. Boy did that year sure live up to it it too. In 2013 the central focus for the year was trust. With motherhood just beginning, trust was going to be essential for that first year. This year's word came to me in the form of a gift from a coworker. The word in 2014 was magnificent.

This year has had it's ups and downs. I can tell you that there were many times when it wasn't feeling so magnificent. However, when I look back at where we were when the year started, I can see that it was indeed magnificent. From career changes, to parenthood, friendships and everything in between, it has most certainly been magnificent.

A few days ago, I was contemplating whether or not I was going to participate in the one word challenge again in 2015. I was leaning toward no. Then, as I'm sitting at home it hits me. In 2015 the one thing I need to focus on is self. With the baby phase behind us, it's time to focus on getting myself healthier. In all areas of life. It's time for me to buckle down more and get serious with my quiet time. I need to quit making excuses to get healthier, there is no better time than now to begin eating better and living a more active life.

I really need to take a close look at how I'm spending my time. I want to become me again. I'm not just a wife, a mom, a friend, ect. There is more to it than just the things I do or the way I spend my time. I want to find my hobbies and passions again. I want to crochet again, to write here more often, to learn to love life all around again. I am going to make an effort this year to do just that.

How about you, friends, what is your word for 2015?

Off Kilter

around here lately, there has been SO much going on. too much some days.

Between a schedule change at work (finally), keeping up with a wee one, finding time to be a couple, being involved in a church plant (launch is SOOO close), finding ways to keep connected to friends, horribly failing to keep the apartment clean, and on and on, lets just say making time for the things I loved doing before all this (and still love and miss terribly) has been near impossible.

So here this place sits. Without a post. For days, weeks, sometimes months on end. Sadly. Lonely. Unfortunately. I so love sharing this space with all of you.

With this time of transition things have just been off. Like I'm kinda floating in space watching everything go on around me, and it's all going so quickly. Some days I feel like I'm in a fog, that it's all a dream.

I love being a mommy. Although, I don't feel like it has come as naturally as I was hoping, it is a job I know I am privileged to be able to claim. The challenges that come with it have been more than I could imagine. Then again, so has all the laughter and the smiles.

Being a good friend has been set on the back burner, I feel. I am not quite as readily available for my friends as I once was. It's not something I like, but it is something that I have learned to adapt to. Once I do have the time, I often lack the brain power to sustain meaningful, deep, real conversations.

A wife. That is another facet of who I am. Another area that, while it comes naturally and we finally have the same schedule, I tend to not have made this a priority. Again, wife, a title I wear proudly, confidently, humbly. However, it is a title I feel like I am lacking to live up to in none-the-less.

What do all these have in common? The way I love. 

Last weekend literally everything I heard, everywhere I went, every conversation was focused on LOVE. Not just any love but God's love. Not just anything having to do with His love. But a question:

What is the message I am displaying when it comes to His love?
Are there people in my life that aren't hearing the gospel of Jesus because of me?

Yeah...ouch. Then a challenge came about...what do I need to put on the back burner in order to show his love to those I encounter every day?

But for me, it wasn't about putting something on the back burner. As we were sitting there I felt the conviction. I knew that I needed to share. The longer we talked, the more the Spirit pressed. It was then I realized that for me, it was all about taking something off the back burner and placing it back where it needed to be.

My job, as much as I love it, takes all I have. Mentally, emotionally, physically, and yes, even spiritually. It was becoming abundantly clear that giving my all at work has been shorting the people I love more than I am comfortable with. By the time I would get home I was exhausted, my brain was much, my patience was shot, my attention span was gone, I was done for the day.

All of this was lead me to being short, defensive, easily agitated, and snappy with the guys in my house. I was seeing snippets of the weeks prior of reactions, conversations and such that I'd displayed, and I found myself disgusted with myself. For me, the challenged boiled down to loving my family better.

Learning how to give my all at work, but still leave the best of me for my guys at home. I need not short them because of the demands of my job. The task seemed (and still seems) impossible but I know that there is One who will give me the strength to succeed. All I need to do is rely upon Him.

So I ask you friend, to look over these questions...these challenges...examine your heart and be honest with yourself about the answers.

What is the message I am displaying when it comes to His love?
Are there people in my life that aren't hearing the gospel of Jesus because of me?
What do I need to put on the back burner in order to show his love to those I encounter every day?

Liebster Award

Disclaimer: If you subscribe by e-mail and happened to get this post multiple times, I apologize. I hit publish once, but my internet was acting up and seems to have sent this to you multiple times.

Okay, Okay...I have now been nominated TWICE for a liebster award...so I guess now is the best time to accept...don't ya think? Yeah, me too.

First off...HUGE thanks go out to my BBC-Birth-Board-Blogging-Momma, Lina over at Eccentric Chai and also to Nikki over at Simply Striving (who nominated me WAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY back in August...slacker much?!)...so None the less Let's get to this.

What is the Liebster Award?

The German word Liebster (pronounced LEEB-ster) means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome.

The Liebster Award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers.

11 Random Facts about me

1) I have hazel eyes that are mood rings. If you know me well enough...my eyes will tell all...even things that I'm trying to hide.

2) I am a natural introvert. However, you wouldn't be able to tell if you meet me. I work very hard to be outgoing and to connect with others, but i will be very exhausted by the time I get home.

3) I have an amazing family. Both the one I was born into and the one that my husband and I have just started building together.

4) My family may be dysfunctional, but we are ALWAYS there for each other.

5) The name of my blog comes from the meaning of my name (Amy=Beloved) and my desire for my life to be a constant pursuit after my Creator and what He has for me.

6) I have  dreams that I believe will one day come to fruition, but I have to do the work now in order for those things to become a reality in the future.

7) My life verse is Galatians 1:10 which says:

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

8) The latest journey we are on (besides the biggie--parenting) is joining in on launching a church in a smaller town near us.

9) I love to read--but rarely have the time anymore.

10) My radio is almost always on Christian music...although we have a new station that plays strictly 90's music that seems to be catching my ear from time to time.

11) I absolutely LOVE to being a mommy.  I absolutely struggle with the fact that I am a working mommy.

11 questions for me to answer (From Lina):

1. What made you start your blog?

I felt a pull to write. There were some things that I was working through and writing it...just getting it out helps me to decipher everything better. {Looking back} I believe that I was called to write in order to find a sanctuary with people who have the same heart for God and writing that I have.

2. Where’s your favorite place to “create”?

Usually on my couch...although I've found down times at work when I can physically write on paper does wonders for me as well.

3. What’s your favorite book? Why?

I love, love, love Francine Rivers Atonement Child. This was the first Christian Fiction that I read and I just loved how engrossed into the characters and the story line, feeling as though I was part of their lives and stories.

4. If you could meet anyone–dead or alive–who would it be?

My Grandpa on my dad's side. Yes, I met him, but he passed away when I was very very young. I don't remember him. I would love to sit and hear/see all the things I hear about from my aunts and uncles about him.

5. How do you spend a typical Saturday?

Cuddling with my husband and son. Grocery shopping. Cooking. Cleaning (although you couldn't tell right now).

6. What’s your favorite animal? Why?

I have always loved Koala's and I don't even know why. They've just always fascinated me.

7. Who was your favorite grade school teacher? Why?

I loved my fourth grade teacher, Mr. Dively. He *finally* put an end to the bullying I experienced throughout my early years of schooling.

8. What do you want to be when you “grow up”?

I would LOVE to be nothing but a stay at home mom. This is a desire I didn't even realize I had until little man came along.

9. What’s your greatest accomplishment so far?

It's a tie:

My Marriage
My Son
They are the life God has given me thus far.

10. Who do you look up to the most? Why?

I cannot pin this down to just one person. I will say the Church. The one I grew up in, the one my husband and I have been attending, and now, the one that we are taking part of starting from day 1.

11. You go into a coffee shop, Edgar Allan Poe is sitting in there with a half caff Mocha with a shot of almond. You sit across from him. What is the first thing you say?

Nothing...I'm absolutely speechless...wouldn't even know where to start.

** Rules for receiving this award:
1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Then answer the questions the tagger sent for them, plus create 11 questions for the people they’ve tagged to answer.
3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.
4. Notify the people you have tagged.
5. No tag backs.

ANNNND If you read this blog and have less than 200 followers...you're it! It's time for you to get your name out there!

You get these questions:

What is your greatest fear?

Describe yourself in three words.

What is your favorite passage of Scripture (verse or book)?

Name something that’s on your bucket list.

Describe what a perfect day would look like to you.

What is your favorite color?

Share a brief testimony of how God is working in your life.

What is your favorite snack?

If you could live anywhere, where would that be?

Name five things that make you smile.

Why do you write?

AND GO!

RTW: Lifetime

I wake up today...well for the day...to celebrate. You see, it's been four years since I vowed my life to the man I love. It's been for years since I said forever and always. Four years ago I officially became Mrs. Kevin McCollister. This was us four years ago:



It's been quite a journey over the past four years. We've laughed a lot. We've had our struggles and trials. Many of them being in the last 12-16 months. If I could go back in time, I'd do it all again. Including all the bad times because it has just made us stronger and given us perspective in the good times. The end of last year, our lives changed forever. This is the last picture of us as a childless couple in december:



The next day, we met our little boy. Our joy in life. If it hadn't been for all those ups and downs we've experienced, I'm sure that we wouldn't be where we are now and I know that we wouldn't have him:



In four years we went from newlyweds to new parents. With hills along the way. I can honestly say, I would not change a thing.

I love you Kevin!
I love the life we have together.
I love watching you with our little Andrew.

As you said this morning:
That was a quick four years. Heres to many more...

So friends. With all the brokenness in this world. In marriages. In families. I am running to honor God in this lifetime. To  keep my marriage and family whole. I'm running to spend a lifetime with my guys. These two and, God willing, another kiddo...maybe two. As well as being the best daughter, sister and friend that I can be. To live my lifetime glorifying God in all I do. With every choice I make. With every milestone we meet.

How are we doing? {CMA}

Last week, I posted about striving to be content in the circumstances I am in. As Satan loves to do, that is the area he's slammed into that very area of my life. I'd love to be able to say I've been able to combat his attacks successfully, but I haven't.

I have tried to steer my thoughts in directions that wouldn't lead to a breakdown, but if I'm honest, I've broken down at least 3 times this week. Almost all of them surrounding work in general. That I have to work. The stress I get from my current position. Not liking the shift I'm working. Dreams that I have, that need to be placed on hold for a while. I could go on and on.

I have been able to slow down some. Enjoy the few mornings that Andrew is actually awake before I have to leave for work. I have made some time together with Kevin, not daily, but definitely over the weekend. As well as finding the time to physically rest on days following sleepless nights.

So, this week, I am continuing on this challenge for myself. While doing so, I will be taking the time to stop and pray when I feel overwhelmed. Seek for peace in His presence. Look for His direction and reassurances that I am on the right path.

Each morning, I will work towards living in the moment. To loving the life I have been given. To seeking shelter in the safest Place I can find. Writing out my thoughts, feelings, emotions to get them down and not allow them to run me down.

So friend, how are you doing on the goals and dreams you have for your life? I'd love to hear your heart as well.

Contentment {CMA}

Our weekly Count Me Accountable link up is all about living a healthier life. Lately, I've set out with some great goals, written with determination, at least one each week. All with the hope of getting back on track. To living a healthier life. To improving myself for the benefit of myself. For the benefit of my husband. For the benefit of my son. For the benefit of every person I love.

Then it dawned on me this week. Rather He revealed to me. Before I can build upon my life to improve it, I need to be happy with my life. I need to rediscover myself. I need to learn to be content with who I am. To find peace within the situation I am in. To find the joy of being where I am at. To living in the moment. Without worries of what I should be doing. Where I should be heading. How I want to look. The size I want to be. And so on.

So my goal is to allow life to slow down  a little. To enjoy each and every phase my son is in without wondering when the sleep will come. Without desiring him to be able to do this or that. I want to enjoy this time with my family. To make and cherish the time with Kevin. To make time with him a priority over anything else that longs to take it.

Friends, it's time. It's time for me to live and love this life. Rather than trying to make it better. After all, I need to be happy with where I am. Before, when I was improving myself it was because I was happy. Because I was content. Because I was secure in who I was, where I was, despite all the chaos that was going on around me.

Now, with the challenges of being a first time mom, with all the change that comes with a new job for Kevin, plus the factor of not liking the fact that we work different shifts, I'm in the place I want to be. Mentally. Emotionally. Spiritually.

I love my family and I want to be all there when I'm with them. So that's the place I'm going to start. After all, who wouldn't want to spend as much time with these guys as possible.

Focus: H2O {CMA}

Here we are for another beloved count me accountable post. I'll be linking up over with the fantastic ladies at Must Love God. We'd love to have you.

If you couldn't tell, this post is all about water. Not just physical water but spiritual water as well.



My goal is to drink at least 2, if not 3 of these bottles a day BEFORE drinking anything else. I do this in hopes of limiting the amount of calories I drink. I want to focus on changing this habit first because I believe it is the best foundation to have. If I am able to keep myself from drinking junk then it will make it easier to keep myself from eating junk later on.

Just like physical water is the foundation of physical life. There is a spiritual water that I believe to be the foundation of a healthy spiritual life.

What is this spiritual water? The Word that was given to us straight from God. Without "drinking" enough of this water each day, it is extremely hard to maintain a healthy, vibrant, growing relationship with God.

So, just as I'm striving to incorporate more physical water into my daily life, I will also be striving to incorporate more spiritual water into my daily life.



what are your goals to become a more balanced, more healthy person this week?

New year, refreshed goals {CMA}

Well friends, it's that time again. We're restarting Count Me Accountable with a link-up at MustLoveGod. Every Thursday a group of us write about the ways we want to better our lives. Not only that but we list specific goals, and weekly we update each other on what's going on. We'd love to have you join us (just follow the link above).



Count Me Accountable. As much as I loathe it. I have also come to love it. So off I go.

All of my adolescence and adult life thus far has been spent being overweight, constantly tired, and completely insecure. After getting off to a great start by changing my eating habits and walking at least 3 days a week, I was able to go from 190 down to 174 from the start of January through the end of March. This was astronomical for me. As I had never been able to find an effective way to lose the excess weight and keep it off.

This, however, was when the game had to change for me. Two days after posting this lowest weight, I took a test. A life changing test. Two days after this milestone, I discovered that some bigger changes were taking place. I discovered that I was pregnant. I had to focus more on mental, emotional and spiritual more so than the weight side of physical.

This year, I feel like I'm starting new. I weighed in this morning at 179lbs. I am proud of this though. It would have been extremely easy to just have not cared, and gained a large amount of weight through the journey that is pregnancy. Without this community, that would have been exactly what I would have done.

My plan was to go back to my eating habits from before. This was supposed to start this past Monday. That didn't happen quite as easily as I hoped. However, I have drastically cut back, almost completely eliminated pop and other sugary drinks, as well as candy and other sugars.

My plan is to completely eliminate all the sugary drinks and the sugar-filled foods by February 1st. After that, I will see where I am at, and evaluate what needs to go next.

Next week, we'll dig into the other areas that I'm going to be working on improving. The spiritual side which is going to be the most important for me in this journey of motherhood, let alone life. As well as the Emotional and mental goals I have. Which, if the spiritual goals are in line, the other ones should fall into place naturally.

So friends, I ask, are you in?

Another year gone

Has another year come and gone already? 2012 held a lot, I mean a lot, of heart ache. For myself, my family and countless others in my circle. From miscarriages, to loss of loved ones (both expected and spontaneous), to fractured relationships, to heartbreak of all sorts. Despite all that, there was an incredible journey going on within me. Not just the one that lead up to our precious baby boy, but a journey that has begun to transform me.

Inside and Out

You know those prayers, those dangerous prayers that scares the dickens out of us to pray? The ones that everyone warns against praying? Yeah, me too. Let's say 2012 held many of those prayers in my life. While the answers that came to them were scary, the answers brought about a beauty that one could have never have dreamed about.

If you were around for the journey the past year, let me say this: THANK YOU! Your prayers, love, support and encouragement was and is more appreciated than I can even begin to explain. I love each and every one of you so much. 2013 has some great stuff in store, I'd be so blessed to have you continue this journey with me.

If you're newer around here welcome and thank you for stopping by! I would encourage you to go back and read up on some of the posts from last year. The ones on my one word "limitless" from last year contain most of the big events from the past year.

With all the progress made last year, there's still a lot left to be done. Particularly in one area. That area is trust. I went into a little more of that in this post describing my word for this year.

As I venture out to learn how trust is going to grow within me, I hope that each of you will help me through this journey. I don't expect it to be easy. I don't expect it to happen completely over night...or even come near completion this year, but I know it will be a good start. A start of a freeing journey.

I pray you'll join me.

What Are You Saying?

Social media can be a great asset for us to connect with others around us. Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like, all offer unique ways to connect with each other. These tools are great, when used properly and put in the proper perspective in the overall big picture of this thing we call life.

My question is this: How do we, as Christians, use these tools effectively to reach out to those around us? Do we use them the same way those who aren't followers use them? Or do we use them with a goal of shining Christ's light to those around us?

While social media is a great way to update others on the recent events of our lives. A method of connecting with others who have similar tastes and hobbies. An amazing means to encourage one another, how often do we think twice before putting up a frustrated status or tweet, posting a picture of a pet peeve of ours, pinning pictures of actors/actresses?

I have a feeling that if we're really, truly, gut honest with ourselves...and others, we rarely think twice.

I can't help but stop and wonder what our unbelieving friends think when they pop into our Pinterest page and see that the most recent pins we've made are of houses and items we wish we had...more than wish, we dream about. What about those days when all we post are images of our favorite actors, actresses, or athletes...a good majority of them in less than PG clothing.

What if someone clicks into our facebook or twitter accounts? Will they see status updates, pictures, interactions with others that glorify Christ? Or will they see nothing but complaining about the bad, and bragging on ourselves when things are going well?

On instagram, do we use it to catalog our 1,000 gifts and the good things God has given us. Or do we use it to show off our latest and greatest acquisitions. Whether it be objects, clothing, or the like?

As we continue on into 2013, I am challenging myself to be more aware of the types of things I am posting. I am wanting to use social media more wisely than I have in the past. Rather than boosting myself, my ego, and my feelings, I want to use them to exalt Him, His name, and His plans.

How about you? Do you have any plans/desires for social media this year?

One Word 2013

The other day, I shared that this year isn't a typical year. While I have some goals in mind that I would like to make progress on, I don't have any traditional resolutions.

There is one new years thing that I joined in with last year that I loved. That would be choosing one word. One word to reach out and grasp a better concept of. One word to challenge myself to live up to, in a way.  Last year, that word was limitless. It was quite a journey. Here are a few snippets from that journey.

This year the word for me is:
http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc427/godsbeloved110/trust_zpseb994b9e.jpg

With all the challenges, changes, and learning curves that are bound to come my way in the next year, trust is going to be key for keeping my eyes where they need to be. Trust is what will keep me from spinning out of control when uncertainties, insecurities, and fear tries to knock me down.

Trust is to believe in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of something or someone. Trust is a huge area of struggle in my life. It doesn't matter what or where the trust is to be placed, I almost always have a hard time allowing myself to even attempt to trust.

Ginny Owens - If You Want Me To
This song is one I've known for a long time and just rediscovered. I really think that this song will be key to help me refocus on trusting His way for me, my marriage and my family.

I have also chosen a verse to go with this word. To challenge me. To memorize. To help me remember to always trust Him above all. The verse is Psalm 31:14:

"But as for me, I trust in You, oh Lord, I say, "You are my God."

Tell me friends...have you chosen a word, phrase, song, verse to help challenge you into a more consistent walk with our Creator? If so, please share.

Won't you Join me?

It's that time again friends! Another Friday arrived. Meaning another week is behind. It also means that it's time for another round of 5 minute Friday.

If you've stopped over from Lisa-Jo's place: Welcome new friend! It's so nice to have you here. I hope you'll come back again.

To my regular readers: Hello there! I love seeing your face around here all the time!  Whether you're a new comer or an old friend, I hope that you'd take the time to jump in on our conversation.

JOIN

If you've been around here with me for any length of time, you know my challenge is to create a place where I can be completely real. Not only that but a place where my readers can come and feel like they can just be themselves as well. After all, I've found that if it's not real, then it's not worth your precious time.

I've never been one to just immediately jump in and join others in what they're doing. I've always been a shy one. The cautious one. In many ways I still am.

However when it came to blogging and making friends that way, I joined right in. Which totally goes against my natural instinct-a true introvert. I have found that when I joined in (in both big ways and small ways) I find that God has given me the courage to open up some. To love on those who need loved on. To put the right people in my path that won't judge me for or be scared away by my quirky-ness.

So friends, I encourage you to join in on His cause. When we do, we will find that we'll be able to exceed our own expectations. Joining with God in His cause will more than likely be uncomfortable and scary. But I promise, if you join with me in joining with Him, it will be worth it.

STOP



1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

Taking Control So I Can Surrender

Sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it? But it's true. In two weeks I'll be joining hundreds of others in reclaiming my mornings to grow deeper in Him. To become a better representation of His love in every other area of my life. And from what I've heard and seen from friends is that there is one challenge that really seems to work.



 

What is hello mornings? Hello mornings is a challenge one can take that give you a group of loving, supporting, encouraging individuals. An amazing group leader. And a do-able challenge. The goal? To start each day off on the right foot: time with God, exercise, and planning out the day.

The fall session runs from August 20th thru November 16th. During this time, it is my hope that I can get myself on a routine. One that will *hopefully* still work come late November/early December when our lives get turned upside down with the appearance of little Andrew.

What will this look like for me?
1) I want to be able to get into a sleep rhythm (yes I know he'll change that for me) but for me the rhythm will be getting to bed around the same time each night. My goal will be in bed (and hopefully sleeping) by 11pm, midnight at the latest, waking consistently around 8am. While that may be late for some (especially you first shift-ers who consider 8am to be sleeping in--lol) for a second shift-er like me, 8am is like the crack of dawn.

2) Consistently seek time in His word FIRST. Before checking my phone (that will probably be the toughest habit to break. Before checking Facebook. Or Twitter. Or Email. Checking in with Him, starting my day with consistent prayer, scripture and worship (however that may look for the day).

3) Find some light, easy-going exercise that will help me kick myself in gear after Andrew comes. After all, I lost the weight once....who's to say I can't do it again. Plus, I have a wedding in April that I need to get back in better shape for anyway. SHOWER! (after all I think my hubs, dad and client would all appreciate it...haha)

4) Eat breakfast (I have a horrible habit of skipping breakfast). As well as prepare breakfast for my love as well. As a bonus it would give us time to touch base before we both head in opposite directions for work.

So there it is friends. My plan for getting on track. Getting focused. And preparing for motherhood.

Sweet Grace {CMA}

This past week has been sooo full of ups and downs. Emotional highs and emotional lows. Some steps forward, some steps back.

With all the emotional ups and downs comes a lonliness. Not by anyone else's doing, but by my own. Afraid to reach out too much, and risking the feeling of being too needy. But at the same time, so desperately longing for the connection in hopes that it will help the cycle.



Does anyone else out there feel like they're just going around and around in circles? Making progress in some areas while back sliding in others?

Yeah, I'm there too... 

Last week I posted on growing limitlessly, and unfortunately I can't say it's felt like I've been succeeding at doing  so.

I realized this week that the whole "maintaining activeness"...well yeah, that hasn't happened like I was hoping. While most days work keeps me active, I don't make the effort to continue being on my feet and moving when at home.

When it comes to emotional and mental health, I've had more bad days than good days with this. Raging hormones has made it hard for me several days this week. Between breakdowns for over absolute nothing, being uber sensitive, and getting very, very, very worn out due to a couple stressful weeks at work, those three combined have made living healthy in both emotional and mental states lately.

Spiritually I haven't quite found something that works for me...not just yet. I have looked into a few different options for me, and started something today that I'm hoping will work well.

So this week, I feel like I've backslid more than I've gone forward.
So this week, I am extremely thankful for the grace He gives.
So this week I am thankful for John 1:16-17:

For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.

 Had it not been for the law that Moses gave, we wouldn't understand how desperately we need the grace that came through Christ's sacrifice on the cross.**

With that said, this week I will cling to grace when I fail rather than stewing on the failures. I will do as Cassie says I will stop looking at the big picture, and start taking things one bite at a time. Will you join us?

On Thursdays, we join together to help each other stay accountable for our goals.

So how is your week going?  Have you been living purposefully?

We invite you to join with us in community, finding accountability for all types of things.  Are you struggling in specific areas or just in general need someone to cheer for you?

Let us know how you’re doing…by either linking up a post from your blog or simply leaving a comment!!!
(Click on link above to link up with us!)

Limitless Growing {CMA}

Yesterday marked 16 weeks into this life long journey. I will have my next appointment and will be 4 weeks out from the all telling ultrasound. The information that I didn't want to initially know. The ultrasound to discover if we will have a son or a daughter come December. This also means we are 4 weeks away from the half-way point...seems unreal.

During these next several months I have a lot, I mean a lot, of growing to do in all areas: Physically-to better support the growing of our little one. Emotionally-attempting to learn not to give into the hormonal jumps that come along with pregnancy. Mentally-hopefully learning how to navigate this journey without totally losing a sense of self...or my mind (which some would say it was already too late for that one, haha). Spiritually-in these times of ups and downs I need to relearn why my constant walking with my God is so vital. 

My goals for the physical aspect of life still haven't changed a whole lot. I am still trying to eat the healthier choices. As I know that will be not only what's best for me in the long run, but also it is what helps ensure a strong, healthy little one. I still try to be active, but not to the same extent I was before. I'm doing more maintaining activeness then "lets lose this weight" activeness...no that will come back after Christmas.

The goals for emotional/mental well being are both being aware of my mental/emotional/hormonal state in order to avoid melt downs and/or blow ups. As well as admitting when I had one and apologizing for snapping on any one (this may or may not have happened a few times already). Also to watch my patience level while at work. I've been finding myself more and more agitated, not completely sure why, at the continual, day-in-day-out monotony that my job can be some days.

Now for the spiritual. This has been the goal I've been most lacking in. I think in the first trimester I used exhaustion as an excuse...a lot. I have started several quiet time studies in the past couple months but haven't followed through with them. My hope/plan/goal is to start and finish a Women of Faith study on God's love. I figured the best place to find examples of exactly what unconditional love looks like is to study the One who showed the ultimate display of love...right?

 So there we have it. I am shooting to write up dates each week with the CMA posts over at Must Love God. Is there any area(s) of struggle in your life right now? The ones you've been dealing with on your own for a time, but just cannot seem to shake it? If so, please join us in the fight to getting healthy. That's what our Count Me Accountable Thursdays are all about.

How can I be of assistance to you in this journey?

It's been too long

Sad to say, it's been almost a month (to the day) since I've check in with my weight. If you remember, last month, I wrote Five Minute February. Since that series, unfortunately I have had a lot of life happen and because  of those circumstances, I allowed my healthy eating to take a back seat.

Although I didn't gain more than four pounds (which in and of itself is a miracle) I haven't been able to get back down to where I was before, just yet. Not without the help of this community. Without the help of my friends whom I've come to cherish.

Last time I checked in, I weighed 172. Today, I have to admit, I'm at 173.5. Which means I've lost 2.5 pounds from my highest weight since the last time I checked in, which is a start. A good start.

Today, I'm over here talking about how life can easily complicate our commitment and ways to overcome said challenges. Would you join in our conversation there? Take the challenge to get serious about living a healthy life with us?

Count Me Accountable

Last week, I joined a friend in posting to get real about living a healthy life.Not only are we both doing this, her post had such an impact and inspired so many that there is now going to be a weekly link-up over at Must Love God (which if you haven't checked it out yet, you really should. Some amazing stuff going on for God.)



Here we are a week later and boy did last week try to kick my tail. Between personal issues going on, a client having health problems and being in the hospital, and outside stress I could have easily fell. Satan was attacking me hard this week, but God's strength has proven to be stronger (like I was surprised).

Last week, I weighed in at 190. I also challenged myself to Eat Clean. Move more. Refresh Daily. I can honestly say I have made some progress in each of these areas. This week, I am weighing in at 184! I am so excited. My first break under 185 in several years.

Here's the break down:

Eating Clean--This is going to be a stair step for me, I think. Slowly changing my eating habits and re-wiring my taste buds and cravings. Step one started on the 10th. No bread or grain...period. Once I get used to this, I'm going to cut out Pop and sugary drinks. After a week or two of that, I'll cut out candy and sugary snacks, replacing them with healthier more natural sweet choices. Then after that I'll cut out red meat, it typically doesn't settle right in my stomach anyway. So, hopefully, by my anniversary in April, I will have a whole new outlook on my eating. Using it to stay nourished rather than fill a void that it will never be able to fill.

Move More--This has probably been my area of least progress. While I have played catch with one of my clients more (and believe me, I am up and moving when we do that...since he always throws it away from where I'm standing) I have yet to get into a workout routine, mainly because the personal issues thrown at me required rest and relaxation. Hopefully in the next week or two I will get started with that.

Refresh Daily--This has been essential for me this week. Had it not been for making time with Him a priority each day, I would have drowned in the weight of the attacks this week. While I have stayed up to date with most of my devotionals, I have also fallen behind in a few, but I am determined to catch up this weekend and stay caught up from here on out. I have learned that this is the only way to ensure that I'll have what I need for the curve balls each day throws at me.

Little by little, I am making progress. It's more about a life change and taking better care of the temple that He's entrusted to me. I have fallen into some bad habits, they took time to get into, I'm sure they'll take just as much, if not more time to get out of. After all, a life change is about baby steps right?

Will you join us? We'd love to have you.