Tuesday again...

Why are Tuesdays always such a challenge??? I'm always so tired ...

Anyhow, overall today was a pretty good day. I had a doctor's appointment before school and that went well. School is a little bit hard for me because I'm not really getting to do a whole lot, mostly just sitting in on classes... classes that I've already taken. I'm praying I start learning some new stuff soon.

I threw some chicken breasts, taco seasoning, and water in the crockpot this morning. It turned out perfect for shredded chicken tacos! So dinner was eaten before 6! I think that's a record!!!

Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
You were shaped to serve God.
You are the way your are because you were made for a specific ministry.
Nothing that happens in your life is insignificant.
God never wastes anything. He would not give you abilities, interests, talents, gifts, personality, and life experiences unless he intended to use them for his glory.
S.H.A.P.E. (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experience)
Because God loves variety and he wants us to be special, no single gift is given to everyone.
Your gifts reveal one key to discovering God's will for your ministry, but your spiritual gifts are not the total picture.
Your heart reveals the real you -- what you truly are, not what others think you are or what circumstances force you to be.
Don't ignore your interests. Consider how they might be used for God's glory. There is a reason that you love to do these things.
When you are doing what you love to do, no one has to motivate you or challenge you or check up on you. You do it for the sheer enjoyment.
Whenever you do what God wired you to love to do, you get good at it. Passion drives perfection.
Figure out what you love to do -- what God gave you a heart to do -- and then do it for his glory.

BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Job 29, 30, 31, 32
Job's past was glorious. (Job 29)
Job's present state is humiliating. (Job 30)
Job asserts his integrity. (Job 31)
Elihu in anger rebukes Job. (Job 32)

COUCH-TO-5K
I'm trying not to get too discouraged by the fact that I'm not getting gym time in...

Body by Vi

I officially began my 90 day challenge with Body by Vi today! I made my shakes, and I have to say that they are so yummy!!! I had snacks in between shakes and dinner, and then ate a healthy dinner. I attempted to go to the gym but forgot that I had a color class online... I'm feeling pretty good except for the lack of caffeine headache that I've got going on. I'm pretty sure I'll have some coffee in the morning to help offset this feeling... I always try to do everything at once and always fail, but I'm going to try to do a little at a time this round.

Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
You were created to add to life on earth, not just take from it.
You were created to serve God.
You were saved to serve God. You're not saved by service, but you are saved for service. We don't serve God out of guilt or fear or even duty, but out of joy, and deep gratitude for what he's done for us.
A saved heart is one that wants to serve.
You are called to serve God.
Anytime you use your God-given abilities to help others, you are fulfilling your calling.
You are commanded to serve God.
One day God will compare how much time and energy we spent on ourselves compared with what we invested in serving others. If you aren't serving, you're just existing, because life is meant for ministry. God wants you to learn and serve others unselfishly.
Service is the pathway to real significance.

BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Job 25, 26, 27, 28
Bildad says that man is inferior. (Job 25)
Job rebukes Bildad. Job speaks of God's greatness. (Job 26)
Job affirms his righteousness. Job speaks of the godless. (Job 27)
Job tells of earth's treasures and the difficult search for wisdom. (Job 28)

COUCH-TO-5K
I seriously walked up to the gym and started on the treadmill, then noticed the time and hustled home for my webinar...

WeekENDs

Can't believe how fast this weekend went!!! Yesterday wasn't nearly as productive as today was, except that we skipped church. We did some healthy grocery shopping to stock up for the next couple of weeks. Chopped veggies and boiled eggs for snacks too. I bought fish for dinner a few nights too, although I'm not really a fish person... I intend to become one!  I got most of the apartment put back together, just need to put away laundry and start some more.

Tomorrow starts day 1 of my "Body by Vi" 90 day challenge. A friend of mine who is doing it to let me bum enough shake mix for tomorrow, my shipment is supposed to arrive tomorrow. I'm going to try to get up and get to the gym first thing, but if not I will be taking a bag to school so I can do it before I even get home. It's time to change my life. I deserve to have my outside match my inside.

Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
 There are no shortcuts to maturity.
God views our lives from and for eternity, so he is never in a hurry.
Discipleship is the process of conforming to Christ.
Real maturity is never the result of a single experience, no matter how powerful or moving.
Jesus is deliberate in developing his disciples.
We are slow learners. We often have to relearn a lesson forty or fifty times to really get it.
We have a lot to unlearn. While you were given a brand new nature at the moment of conversion, you still have old habits, patterns, and practices that need to be removed and replaced.
We are afraid to humbly face the truth about ourselves. The fear of what we might discover if we honestly faced our character defects keeps us living in the prison of denial.
Growth is often painful and scary. There is no growth without change; there is no change without fear or loss; and there is no loss without pain. People often build their identity around their defects.
Habits take time to develop. Your character is the sum total of your habits.
Believe God is working in your life even when you don't feel it.
Keep a notebook or journal of lessons learned.
Be patient with God and with yourself. God is never in a hurry, but he is always on time. Great souls are grown through struggles and storms and seasons of suffering.
Don't get discouraged. A delay is not a denial from God.
PLEASE BE PATIENT, GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH ME YET.

BIBLE IN A YEAR
No passages today.

FLYLADY
I guess I'm going to take this off of my list. I am really good at keeping things clean, it was just getting started on what I felt was clutter that I needed the extra guidance.

COUCH-TO-5K
Obviously didn't get this done today. I will be downloading new music and preparing for "battle" this week. I have to believe I can do this in my brain before my body will believe it.

Catching up

Yesterday we were supposed to go out of town, but I was just feeling so run down and didn't feel like  going. So we sent the kids for a weekend at grandma's and I've been relaxing. I caught up on the relaxing I didn't get to do this week, but didn't quite get caught up on the rest of the house stuff yet. I skipped my readings last night, so I'm going to try and play catch up now.

I'm really looking forward to starting my "body by vi" stuff on Monday. I feel like this may be something to help me get the jump start I need. I've got to get my body and health under control so we can see if my baby making parts will start working on their own.

Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
-Friday's chapter : Every temptation is an opportunity to do good.
Every time you choose to do good instead of sin, you are growing in the character of Christ.
God develops the fruit of the Spirit in your life by allowing you to experience circumstances in which you're tempted to express the exact opposite quality!
We learn real peace by choosing to trust God in circumstances in which we are tempted to worry or be afraid. Patience is developed in circumstances in which we're forced to wait and are tempted to be angry or have a short fuse.
Every time you defeat a temptation, you become more like Jesus!
Satan is entirely predictable.
Temptation 4 step process:
-Satan identifies a desire inside of you. (Temptation starts in your mind, not in circumstances.)
-Doubt. (Satan tried to get you to doubt what God has said about the sin.)
-Deception. (Satan is incapable of telling the truth.)
-Disobedience. (You finally act on the thought you've been toying with.)
Refuse to be intimidated.
You will never outgrow temptation.
Temptation is a sign that Satan hates you, not a sign of weakness or worldliness.
The closer you grow to God, the more Satan will try to tempt you.
Recognize your pattern of temptation and be prepared for it.
Request God's help.
Ask him (God) for the power to do the right thing and then expect him to provide it.
-Today's chapter : There is always a way out.
4 biblical keys to defeating temptation:
-Refocus your attention on something else. Since temptation always begins with a thought, the quickest way to neutralize its allure is to turn your attention to something else.
-Reveal your struggle to a godly friend or support group. Satan wants you to think that your sin and temptation are unique so you must keep them a secret.
-Resist the Devil. You won't be able to say no to the Devil unless you've said yes to Christ. Memorizing Scripture is absolutely essential to defeating temptation.
-Realize your vulnerability. God warns us never to get cocky and overconfident; that is the recipe for disaster.

BIBLE IN A YEAR
-Thursday's passages: Job 14, 15, 16, 17
Job talks about death.
Eliphaz tells Job that he really has no idea what he's talking about. Eliphaz tells what he knows and has seen of life.
Job says his friends are terrible comforters. Job says God broke him.
Job says he's become notorious.
-Friday's passages: Job 18, 19, 20, 21
Bildad talks about the wicked.
Job feels insulted. Everything is against Job. "My Redeemer lives."
Zophar explains that the good the wicked feel is only temporary.
Job says that God will deal with the wicked.
-Today's passages: Job 22, 23, 24
Eliphaz accuses and encourages Job.
Job longs for God.
Job feels that God ignores wrongs.

FLYLADY
Nope...

COUCH-TO-5K
So this didn't happen...

Busy-ness

Today has been another day of busy-ness! I'm so ready for bed, it's after 10...

I was blessed by a friend today because she took the boys to acting class tonight, I'm so grateful. After school I cut another of the educator's hair and she trimmed mine. I hustled home, picking up nasty fast food, to get ready for another haircut I had scheduled. Haircut canceled, grateful again! Just now finished helping Quinton complete his science fair and social studies projects, both due tomorrow.

I haven't watched a minute of television this week or really had a moment to myself, unless you count this.

Forcing my eyes open to do my readings...

Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
God has a purpose behind every problem.
Your most profound and intimate experiences of worship will likely be in your darkest days -- when your heart is broken, when you feel abandoned, when you're out of options, when the pain is great -- and you turn to God alone.
Problems force us to look to God and depend on him instead of ourselves.
You'll never know that God is all you need until God is all you've got.
Because God is sovereignly in control, accidents are just incident in God's good plan for you.
God's purpose is greater than our problems, our pain, and even our sin.
When you've been refined by trials, people can see Jesus' reflection in you.
Problems don't automatically produce what God intends. You have to respond the way Jesus would.
God wants you to thank him that he will use your problems for fulfill his purposes.
When you grasp the eternal consequences of your character development, you'll pray fewer "comfort me" prayers (help me) and more "conform me" prayers (make me more like you).
You know you are maturing when you begin to see the hand of God in the random, baffling, and seemingly pointless circumstances of life.

BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Job 10, 11, 12, 13 (yesterday's actually)
Job continues complaining. (Job 10)
Zophar the Naamathite rebukes Job. (Job 11)
Job responds to all the attacks on him. Job tells about the power of God. (Job 12)
Job says his friends words are ashes.  Job trusts that God will vindicate him. (Job 13)

FLYLADY
Didn't happen...

COUCH-TO-5K
Didn't happen...

Aches...

I woke up this morning with another stomach ache, and no I'm not pregnant (bummer). This ache has overstayed it's welcome and has drained me of my normal self... ugh! Tomorrow will be better I'm sure!

School was good. 3rd grade math night was fine. Helping Quinton with his science fair project that is due Friday, tedious.... I feel so drained.

I did pay some bills and signed up for my "Body by Vi" kit, should be here in a few days.

MUST... PUSH... THROUGH... READING...

Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
The truth transforms us.
Sanctification requires revelation.
You should consider it (the Bible) as essential to your life as food.
TO be a healthy disciple of Jesus, feeding on God's Word must be your first priority.
I must accept its authority. (the Bible)
Decide that regardless of culture, tradition, reason, or emotion, you choose the Bible as your final authority.
I must assimilate its truth. (the Bible)
You can receive it, read it, research it, remember it, and reflect on it.
3 unreceptive attitudes- a closed mind, a superficial mind, and a distracted mind.
Many who claim to believe the Bible "from cover to cover" have never read it from cover to cover.
No other habit can do more to transform your life and make you more like Jesus than daily reflection on Scripture.
I must apply its principles. (the Bible)
The truth will set you free, but first it may make you miserable!
What has God already told you to do in his Word that you haven't started doing yet?

BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Job 6, 7, 8, 9 (actually yesterday's)
Job is wondering why his friends haven't been there for him during his despair. (Job 6)
Job feels that his life is futile. (Job 7)
Bildad the Shuhite says God will not reject a man of integrity and he will not support evildoers. (Job 8)
Job says there is no one between man and God. (Job 9)

FLYLADY
Didn't lift a finger today...

COUCH-TO-5K
As you can see, this obviously didn't work out again for me...

Living La Vida Loco

I had high hopes for today since this was our only evening free this week... I think we tried to pack too many things into such a short amount of time. I had to run to the supply house because we needed shampoo, Hobby Lobby for science fair stuff, we ate out because we hardly ever do, and then to Target for doggy food. We just got home and the boys are finishing up chores and homework, having to extend bed time and extra 30 minutes. Tomorrow night is math night at Zach's school, Thursday is Zach's acting class, and we are going to visit family/friends this weekend! We're for sure living a crazy life (living la vida loco)!!!

I totally skipped out on everything yesterday with the full intention of getting caught up on my lunch today, but as you can see that didn't work out. I can't start procrastinating now. So, I'm going to read both my chapters in PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE but only yesterday's bible verses (since there typically aren't verses on Sundays, I'll be able to catch up Sunday). Who knows, if I get going I may end up reading more tomorrow or Thursday.

I've been thinking a lot about my health and having babies. I truly believe God will give me a baby when he thinks we're ready for it. With that being said, I feel like it is my responsibility to get my body in the best condition it can possibly be in order to provide the best place for a baby to grow. I'm going to sign up for "Body by Vi" tomorrow. It's a 90 day commitment, but it might also be the 90 days I need to really get things changing health-wise. I've seen some great things that it's done for other women like me with PCOS and I'm encouraged by it. Praying that God will bless this journey!!!

Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE (Yesterday and Today)
You were created to become like Christ.
God wants his children to bear his image and likeness.
God doesn't want you to become a god; he wants you to become godly -- taking on his values, attitudes, and character.
Christlikeness is all about transforming your character, not your personality.
Many Christians misinterpret Jesus' promise of the "abundant life" to mean perfect health, a comfortable lifestyle, constant happiness, full realization of your dreams, and instant relief from problems through faith and prayer.
Never forget that life is not about you! You exist for God's purposes...
The process of changing us to be more like Jesus is called sanctification.
Christlikeness is not produced by imitation, but by inhabitation.
The Holy Spirit releases his power the moment you take a step of faith.
Obedience unlocks God's power.
Effort has nothing to do with salvation, it has much to do with spiritual growth.
Your character is essentially the sum of your habits.
Spiritual maturity is not a solitary, individual pursuit!
God is far more interested in what you are than in what you do.
Jesus did not die on the cross just so we could live comfortable, well-adjusted lives.
--
God wants you to grow up.
Sadly, millions of Christians grow older but never grow up. They are stuck in diapers and booties. The reason is that they never intended to grow up.
It takes an intentional commitment.
Decide to become a disciple.
Your commitments can develop you or they can destroy you, but either way, they will define you.
Spiritual growth is a collaborative effort between you and the Holy Spirit.
When people are casual about their spiritual growth, it shows they don't understand the eternal implications.
To change your life, you must change the way you think.
The way you think determines the way you feel, the way you feel influences the way you act.
Stop thinking immature thoughts, which are self-centered and self-seeking.
Start thinking maturely, which focuses on others, not yourself.
Christianity is not a religion or a philosophy, but a relationship and a lifestyle.


BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Job 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (actually yesterday's)
Job was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil. He had 7 sons and 3 daughters. They feasted often and the brothers offered burnt offerings, leading Job to think there might be sin in his sons' hearts. The brothers came before the Lord and Satan also showed up. God asked if he had tested Job and then he left to reek havoc on his life. Tragedy struck Job and his family, death and the demise of all he worked for. Job shaved his head and removed his clothes and fell in worship to God. Through all this tragedy Job didn't sin or blame God, he praised him. (Job 1)
Sons of God again came forward to present themselves before the Lord and Satan showed up yet again. He taunted saying the Job would curse God to his face, so God allowed it to be so only asking that he spare Job's life. Satan infected Job with boils from top to bottom. Job's wife even questioned his faith in God, but he held true. His friends came from far and saw the agony that Job was praising God for. (Job 2)
Job cursed the day he was born. (Job 3)
Eliphaz the Temanite questions the confidence and faith in God, the innocent do not suffer. (Job 4)
Job says that regardless of circumstance he will forever trust in the Lord. (Job 5)

FLYLADY
Laundry is going and the house is still in good shape.

COUCH-TO-5K
I'm really going to have to start getting up early and doing this. I just can't seem to find the time in the evenings right now!!! I'm kind of annoyed that I haven't found time...

Sleepy...

Today was another in-service morning, followed by a theory afternoon with students. I finished up the first assignments and am ready to test on Wednesday. Made it home to get dinner together, get Zach ready for cub scouts and get myself up to visit a friend about this stuff called "Body by Vi" (Visalus). It sounds almost too good to be true... I know several people that have or are doing it and it seems legit. I'm really thinking about it.


Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
Tomorrow....

BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Job 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
This is going to have to happen tomorrow I'm just too tired...

FLYLADY
Still doing pretty good because of the pickup over the weekend. I'm going to toss a load of clothes in the washer just for good measure. 

COUCH-TO-5K
Unfortunately this didn't happen toady because I was learning about the "Body by Vi" stuff.

Blessing

I made a pretty big breakfast this morning in hopes of lifting my and Nathan's moods. Unfortunately we were both still very tired and grumpy. I started cleaning right after breakfast and time got away from me, so we missed church. We did however get an offer on Nathan's project truck. The guy drove down from Nebraska and bought it, TODAY! That allowed us the money needed to fix the heater in the car, and a few other things that need to be dealt with this week. God has blessed us when we least expected it, I'm so humbled.

I've touched on my issues with fertility in previous blogs. However, I'm wondering if doing fertility treatments again is something that God would want us to do. Is that taking the trust out of God by using medicine to achieve a family? I'm not sure how to feel about this one... more prayer and research needs to be done.

Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
It's your job to protect the unity of your church.
Focus on what we have in common, not our differences.
Be realistic in your expectations.
Choose to encourage rather than criticize.
Refuse to listen to gossip.
Practice God's method for conflict resolution.
Support your pastor and leaders.

BIBLE IN A YEAR
No passages today.

FLYLADY
Cleaned the kitchen, straightened the dining room/living room, cleared the bar (hotspot), and picked up our room a bit. I'm about to toss another load of laundry in. I'm feeling pretty good starting this week.

COUCH-TO-5K
I will be running tomorrow night, my stomach is queasy tonight. I'm also going to attend a meeting about a program called "Body by Vi" tomorrow night, I've heard good things and am anxious to get more information.

Slacking

A whimpering puppy woke me up around 4:30 this morning. As I was getting up to take her potty my nose decided it was going to bleed profusely... I had a client today at 10, when I went out to my car the heater wouldn't work... I have zero motivation for anything today and am completely exhausted. I did redbox a couple of movies, "Courageous" and "The Help." Both were fantastic and made me cry on several occasions. My sweet friend Esther came over to enjoy one of them with me, it's been a couple of weeks since we got to spend time together. I always enjoy her company, she makes me laugh.

I did not get a darn thing accomplished today, I'm still so tired.

Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
Relationships are always worth restoring.
Talk to God before talking to another person.
Always take the initiative.
Sympathize with their feelings.
Confess your part of the conflict.
Attack the problem, not the person.
Cooperate as much as possible.
Emphasize reconciliation, not resolution.

BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Genesis 47, 48, 49, 50
Joesph's family settled in Goshen. Jacob blessed Pharaoh. They sold all their livestock to Pharaoh for food. As the livestock ran out so did the money. They sold themselves as slaves to Pharaoh for food. Pharaoh owned all the land but agreed to give them seed to harvest, 1/5 of the harvest must be given to Pharaoh in exchange. Jacob was nearing the end of his life and asked Joseph to bury him where his fathers were buried. Joseph agreed. (Genesis 47)
Joseph visited his sick father along with his 2 sons. Jacob blessed his 2 grandsons, saying the younger will be greater than the older.  (Genesis 48)
Jacob tells what will become of his sons, the 12 tribes of Israel. Jacob passed away. (Genesis 49)
Joseph had his father embalmed, it took 40 days. The Egyptians mourned for 70 days. Pharaoh allowed Joseph to take his father to his burial place. Joseph's brothers were concerned that he would turn on them now that Jacob was gone. They begged for his forgiveness. Joseph said that everything happened the way it was supposed to, that evil was made into good. Joseph passed away. (Genesis 50)

Yay! I read 1 whole book of the bible!!!

FLYLADY
It's obvious that I doing some serious slacking...

COUCH-TO-5K
More slacking...

Blue

Friday has finally arrived!!! I made it through my first week as an intern educator, only 15 more to go!

Today was test day, potluck day, and the day they are on the floor from 1-5 (the educator I'm training with leaves at 1 on Fridays, meaning I was the educator!). I really enjoyed getting to interact with the students and guests, checking haircuts, etc. I got a renewed sense of energy as soon as we got out there. I have to mention that my hands are blue, just call me Smurfette... one of the male students decided he wanted blue tips in his hair today.

I'm overly exhausted and have to do hair in the morning... I realize this is only the first week and my body will acclimate. I'm looking forward to catching up on all my shows, housework, and sleep this weekend! I so don't want to do any reading tonight, but I must...

Thoughts on the day:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
Community required commitment.
It takes both God's power and our effort to produce a loving Christian community.
Cultivating community takes honesty.
You will have to care enough to lovingly speak the truth, even when you would rather gloss over a problem or ignore an issue.
...the tunnel of conflict is the passageway to intimacy in any relationship.
Cultivating community takes humility.
Self-importance, smugness, and stubborn pride destroy fellowship faster than anything else. Pride builds walls between people; humility builds bridges.
Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.
Cultivating community takes courtesy.
Real community happens when people know it is safe enough to share their doubts and fears without being judged.
Cultivating community takes confidentiality.
Cultivating community takes frequency.

BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Genesis 44, 45, 46
Joseph commanded his servant to fill his brothers' sacks with as much food as they could carry and their money on top. He also had his silver cup placed in his youngest brothers sack. As soon as the brothers were to leave the city Joseph would send after them in search of the silver cup. The brothers denied taking the cup and said if searched and found that the brother who owned the sack would become Joseph's slave. The other brothers threw themselves at Joseph's mercy to take Benjamin's place. They assured Joseph that the enslavement of Benjamin would cause the death of their father. (Genesis 44)
Joseph was beside himself and sent everyone but his brothers away. He wept and revealed himself as a brother. He asked they return and bring Jacob and his family back with them to live there. Pharaoh was delighted to hear the news of Joseph's brothers, he commanded that provisions and wagons be provided for the return of Jacob's family. Jacob's spirit was revived upon hearing of Joseph's great fortune, not to mention the fact that he was still alive. (Genesis 45)
God came to Jacob in a dream assuring him that the trip to Egypt was going to be fine. Joseph came to meet them on the journey back to Egypt and wept when he saw his father. Jacob said he could die because he had seen Joseph's face. (Genesis 46)

FLYLADY
This weekend I will be "flying" around my home and getting it back in ship-shape. 

COUCH-TO-5K
I've been trying to get to the gym as best as I could this week. I'm really thinking about doing it in the mornings before school, but I have to get out of bed on time first!

Fellowship

I did not want to get out of bed this morning, but I did and it was later than normal. My body is so not used to this schedule yet...

Today we did pedicures and acrylic nails, two things I’ve always been fond of receiving. I had to perform a pedicure on a student because there is an odd number, but I received one in return. Tomorrow is the last day one of the students will be in our classroom, she’s graduating to the floor, and we’re doing a potluck. We’re going to have a variety of goodies and I signed up to make my red velvet brownies with white chocolate buttercream frosting, it’s a sure fire hit.

I’m not sure how this running this is working on my feet. I say that because I just can’t seem to find a happy medium with my shoes, they’re either too tight or not tight enough. I love my shoes, mostly because they’re pink and they breathe. I may have to do some googling on the topic.

I’m so looking forward to Friday!!! As a staff member (intern in my case) we get to wear jeans on Fridays, just have to jazz the top up a bit. Kids go to their mom’s this weekend so I’m hoping I can get caught up on housework and studying.

Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
We’re built for community, for fellowship.
You can worship with a crowd, but you can’t fellowship with one.
In real fellowship people experience authenticity.
In real fellowship people experience mutuality (giving and receiving).
In real fellowship people experience sympathy.
In real fellowship people experience mercy.

BIBLE IN YEAR
Today’s passages: Genesis 41-43
It had been 2 years, Pharaoh had 2 dreams. He sent out for all the magicians and wise men to help decode his dreams, no one could interpret them. The cupbearer came forward and reminded Pharaoh of his time in prison and that Joseph interpreted his dream. Pharaoh sent for Joseph to interpret his dreams. Both dreams were basically the same thing, 7 years of feast and 7 years of famine. Because he had 2 dreams of basically the same thing, Joseph said God was to bring about these things quickly. Joseph suggested that they begin collecting and storing food for the famine time, Pharaoh agreed. Pharaoh once again appointed Joseph as the overseer and gave him a wife (Asenath). Joseph put his saving food plan into motion. Asenath had 2 sons 2 years before the famine. The famine came about and the people ran to Pharaoh for guidance, Pharaoh sent them to Joseph. The people from all over came to buy grain from Joseph.(Genesis 41)
Jacob heard of grain in Egypt and sent 10 of his sons to get some. Joseph was in charge and recognized his brothers when they came for grain. He disguised himself and denied them grain. He called them spies and sent for Benjamin (who remained with Jacob at home). While the one who went for Benjamin was gone the others were in jail for 3 days. He sent all the brothers home with grain except for Reuben, who he bound. When they went to open their sacks they found their money was returned. They returned to Jacob and told him what had happened. (Genesis 42)
Jacob and family were running out of food and sent the boys off for more, this time with Benjamin as required. Joseph saw them coming and prepared a feast. Joseph was beside himself when he saw Benjamin, he wept. (Genesis 43)


FLYLADY
I had the boys vacuum and pick up a bit tonight. As much as I need to be addressing the small amounts of clutter in the hot spots, I'm willing to put it off until the weekend.

COUCH-TO-5K
I'm not running tonight, I'm hoping to tomorrow.

Pants

I don't own very many pairs of pants, 2 to be exact, with the exception of jeans. The majority of my closet is dresses, which leaves me freezing my tail off in this weather! I will be investing in some pants in the very near future...

School was good today, we did mostly theory on nails. Tomorrow is a full day of practicals and Friday will be test day. I'm still feeling pretty good about where I'm at and what I'm doing, I completely feel like this is where I'm supposed to be.

Can't wait to get used to this schedule, it's killing me!! Plus I feel like I need to not only read and study my textbook, but also the regular student textbook. I feel like it's got some different things in it compared to what I learned.

Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
Today's chapter is about where we belong, in a fellowship through church. As you know we've been praying about where we belong and if the church we've been frequenting is indeed the church for us. I'm ready to get plugged in, but I'm not sure where Nathan is. He is the spiritual leader of our home, we need to thoroughly pray about this.

BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Genesis 38, 39, 40
Enter Judah, the son who is still in father's good graces. Judah made Shua his wife and she gave birth to 3 sons. Judah took a wife for his first born, Er, named Tamar.  God took Er's life because he was evil. Judah had his second son, Onan, take Tamar to have children for his brother. Onan knew that the kids wouldn't be his so he wasted his seed. God look down upon that act and took Onan's life. Tamar was to remain a widow until Judah's third son, Shelah, was of age. Judah's wife, Shua, died. Judah went to shear his sheep and came upon what he thought was a harlot, which was actually Tamar. He had relations with Tamar not knowing who she was and she conceived. 3 months later Judah heard that Tamar was the harlot and she was pregnant with twins. She gave birth to twin sons. (Genesis 38)
God was with Joseph as he was a servant to Pharaoh, he blessed him in all that he did. Pharaoh noticed the favor God showed Joseph and made him his personal servant and put him in charge of the whole house. Joseph had access to everything except Pharaoh's wife. The wife came to Joseph daily asking for him to lie with her and he refused on account of sin. One day when everyone was outside except the wife and Joseph she tried yet again and he refused, but this time she had grabbed hold of his garment. He took off outside and she called forth that he had tried to come in to her and he was a Hebrew. Joseph was then imprisoned. God was still with him and allowed the chief jailer to be kind to him. (Genesis 39)
The cupbearer and the baker offended the king and threw them into jail. The captain put Joseph in charge of them. The cupbearer and the baker both had a dream that night, separate dreams and interpretations. They asked Joseph for help interpreting. The cupbearer's dream was that he would be restored in 3 days. The baker's dream was that he would be hanged in 3 days. The dreams became fact. (Genesis 40)

FLYLADY
The counter just isn't going to get cleaned off tonight, but those 3 loads of laundry that I've been avoiding putting away... well they're going to be taken care of tonight before I go to bed. Mostly because they are covering the bed... Honestly, our home is still very clean and presentable.

COUCH-TO-5K
I just got back from the gym. I did 15 minutes of the first day yet again, but you know what... it's more than I did last time! I'm not where I hoped I would be, but I'm at least still going which is a major improvement. My calves are burning pretty bad, probably because I work heeled boots to school today.

Tired Tuesday

Today was another good day at school, we're doing nails this week. Nails have never been my favorite subject, but I'm learning to be an expert on all things cosmetology... that's the idea. I've got 2 text books and a workbook, I'll be plenty busy!

I'm so tired today that I don't particularly want to be writing this blog, but it's all about habits that I'm trying to stick to.

Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
Jesus said our love for each other -- not our doctrinal beliefs -- is our greatest witness to the world.
Love shold be your top priority, primary objective, and greatest ambition.
...God says relationships are what life is all about.
4 out of the 10 commandments deal with our relationship to God while the other 6 deal with our relationships with people.
Relationships, not achievements or the acquistion of things, are what matters most in life.
Busyness is a great enemy of relationships.
The point of life is learning to love -- God and people. Life minus love equals zero.
The more time you give to something, the more you reveal its importance and value to you.
The essence of love is not what we think or do or provide for others, but how much we give of ourselves.


BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Genesis 34, 35, 35, 37
Dinah, Jacob and Leah's daughter, went out to see her friends. Shechem, son of Hamor, took her an raped her. He was deeply attracted to her and wanted her for his wife. Jacob heard what had happened but didn't say anything. Jacob's sons heard the news are were very upset because of this disgraceful act. Shechem came to Jacob asking that they exchange daughters and live harmoniously together. Shechem voiced that he would give anything for Dinah. Jacob's sons answered with a conditional "no." Conditions being that they become circumcised, they agreed. Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, came to the city and killed every male. With them they took all of their herds and looted the city because of what they had done to Dinah. Jacob confronted them saying that they had now brought trouble upon their house. (Genesis 34)
God told Jacob it was time to move to Bethel. God changed Jacob's name to Israel. Rachel died in childbirth, Benjamin was born. Reuben and Bilhah conceived. Jacob came to Isaac, his father. Isaac died. (Genesis 35)
Esau packed up his family and moved far away from Jacob. Going through the genealogy of Esau. (Genesis 36)
Joseph was favored by his father Jacob because he was born in his old age. Jacob made him a coat of many colors. His brothers saw the favoritism and hated him for it. Joseph had a dream that his sheaf stood up and his brothers' sheaves bowed down to his. Upon sharing this dream his brothers hated him even more. Joseph had yet another dream in which the sun, moon and 11 stars bowed down to him. His brothers were jealous, but Jacob kept this in his mind. The brothers were taking the flock to Shechem, Jacob sent Joseph to check on them and bring back word. While on the journey his brothers had plot to kill him. Reuben talked them out of killing him, but allowed them to put him in a pit unharmed. They stripped him of his coat and left him with no water. Travelers were coming through and they decided to sell him for 20 shekels of silver, they took Joseph to Egypt. They slaughtered a goat and dipped Joseph's coat in the blood and took it to their father. Jacob mourned the death of his son. Joseph was sold to Potiphar, Pharaoh's officer.  (Genesis 37)

FLYLADY
Everything is still pretty clean, there are a few hot spots (bar area) that seem to be collecting things... that will be address tomorrow night. 

COUCH-TO-5K
This didn't happen today, but will tomorrow.

Intern Educator

Today was an awesome day! I woke up at what I thought was a decent time, but ended up feeling like I was running behind (forgot to take meds/vitamins). This morning was sort of an intro to what I would be doing/assisting with in the classroom. I received my text books, which I'm extremely excited to crack open and compare with the book I learned from. I am in the classroom this week, there are 5 students right now and we're in the nails chapters. I remember a lot more than I thought I did! Anyway, I had a really good day and am looking forward to the weeks that follow!

Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
God made me to be a part of his family.  What a blessing and a gift to be a part of such a rich inheritance! We shouldn't be working towards retirement, that's short term, we should be working toward eternity! Our riches in heaven are far greater than any riches here on earth. I'm blessed to have already accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and followed that with baptism. If you haven't done these things, ask me about them!

BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Genesis 30, 31, 32, 33
Rachel wanted children so badly that she gave her maid, Billhah, to Jacob as another wife. Billhah conceived 2 sons. When Leah stopped having children she gave her maid, Zilpah, to Jacob as a wife. Zilpah conceived 2 sons. Leah's son found mandrakes in the field and Rachel asked Leah if she could have them. Leah agreed if Jacob could lay with her that night, she conceived another 2 sons and a daughter. Rachel also conceived a son, Joseph. Jacob started tending to Laban's flocks, sorting and building his own herd along with Laban's. (Genesis 30)
The herd of Laban was dwindling and the herd of Jacob was growing. Laban was no longer friendly with this agreement. Jacob called for Rachel and Leah. Jacob explained that God came to him in a dream and allowed for this growth in his flock. They decided to flee from Laban's without telling him and Rachel stole the idols of her father. Laban tracked them down, but God told him not to speak to Jacob. He confronted Jacob and asked why he left in such a deceptive way and stole his idols. Jacob told him that he feared that Laban would take his daughters back by force. He looked everywhere for the idols but couldn't find them, but Rachel was hiding them. They established a covenant, Jacob was not allowed to take any other wives besides Rachel and Leah. (Genesis 31)
Jacob sent a message to Esau that he was coming and prayed for favor in his sight. The messenger returned saying that Esau was coming with 400 men, Jacob afraid. Jacob split his company into 2 in case of attack 1 would survive. Jacob prayed for God's protection. He decided that he would offer a gift to his brother. He sent the herds in droves in hopes that it would appease Esau. He sent his wives and children across the stream, leaving him alone for the night. A man wrestled with him until dawn. Jacob became Israel. (Genesis 32)
Esau and his men were near. Jacob went ahead of his wives and children to meet him. Esau and Jacob embraced and wept. Esau met Jacob's family. He told Jacob to keep his gift but Jacob insisted. Jacob found favor with Esau. Jacob settled in Shechem. (Gensis 33)

FLYLADY
The boys were home from school today so I had them do some things around the house. Dinner was in the crockpot, so I didn't have to worry about that tonight. 

COUCH-TO-5K
I went to the gym when I got home from school. I did 11 minutes of couch to 5k and my feet started hurting, so I finished with 9 minutes on the bike. That's 20 minutes, that's minimal but it's 20 minutes more than I worked out the last few days!

Sleepy Sunday

I've been staying up much too late... I woke up at 8 this morning and still didn't feel rested. I went in to start breakfast and realized that our refrigerator wasn't as cold as it usually is, I put a call into maintenance. Started breakfast (french toast bites, sausage, banana, clementine, eggs w/cheese) and coffee... the coffee pot starting spewing stuff everywhere!!! I think it was possessed!! Apparently I didn't get it seated in the thing correctly, probably because I was so tired! I tried to hustle through breakfast to get a quick shower before church. Maintenance showed up right before we were leaving and Nathan got called out... So I took the boys to church. We came home and I whipped up a quick taco salad lunch. I rested for a while but didn't fall asleep. Got up and started baking pineapple upside down cupcakes, they're delicious in case you're wondering. I threw a ham in the oven before we set off for evening service/AWANA/youth group. I feel like I've been cooking all day!! After dinner we cleaned up and played a round of yahtzee, and then it dawned on me. I start my internship tomorrow!!! I'm so excited!!! My life long dream of teaching is about to become a reality (okay so teaching was my back up dream after Broadway, and that didn't really pan out). I'm trying to get all my stuff done tonight so I can get into bed a decent time.

Church was a blessing this morning. The song service was really good and the message was still on stewardship, reaping what you sow. Evening service was a guest speaker and he spoke about fighting against the over-sexing of our children. This was the first time the kids had gone to AWANA and youth group at LBC and they both had a really good time.

Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
This chapter was about praising God when you don't feel him around. How sometimes he steps back to let us grow deeper in our relationship with him. Having faith in him even we don't see him or feel him speaks volumes. Friendships based on emotion never last... Me searching for the feeling that I once had when I felt I was in the best spiritual shape of my life is worthless. It's not about a feeling, it's about faith. I should be grateful for everything in my life, but most importantly that God have his son's life for mine! Even if I never see or hear or feel from God again I am still eternally grateful the debt that was paid on the cross for me... never stop praising...

BIBLE IN A YEAR
No passages today.

FLYLADY
I've been cooking all day, I'm lucky the kitchen still looks so good!

COUCH-TO-5K
Praying that a real schedule will get me on a schedule with everything else, including running!!!

Shopping with Mom

Happy Saturday!!! Today was a day devoted to hanging out with my mom. She lives about an hour or so outside the city (way out in the country on a gravel road), so when she comes into town we make a day of it. She got here about 9:30 and she had a list of places she wanted to hit, luckily in the same area. So we started at the Goodwill, she found a ton of things and I found a few. Can I just say that I forgot some of the cool stuff that could be found there? Seriously, I got a couple tops that still had name brand tags on them... Any-who, our next stop was Hobby Lobby. I wanted to see if they had any Christmas stuff left and boy was I excited! I've had my eye on these stocking hangers with our initials on them for a couple years now, but can never find any with a "Q" or a "Z" but today I did!!! (I also got "L" and "N.") They were originally $17.99 each, but I got them at 90% off ($1.79)!!!! They also had scrapbooking storage stuff on sale 50% off and I got this awesome lazy susan type organizer that is normally $39.99 for $20 (my mom bought it for me). I'm going to use it to store makeup brushes, I'll have to post a picture on my beauty blog. Next stop for us was at Big Lots, which was a bust for me. Sometimes I can find drug store makeup there really cheap but they didn't have much today. Last on the list was Sam's Club, I didn't get anything there either. We finally made it home at like 6:30... that's 9 hours of shopping!!! How is that even possible?!?!

The Miss America pageant was on tonight, I'm an avid follower of both the America and USA pageants. Of course I was pulling for Miss Kansas, but I always secretly cheer for Oklahoma and Tennessee as well (they always have the prettiest girls). Wisconsin won it all, she was really pretty. I hope that I have a daughter some day to share nights like this with.

Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
Worship that pleases God is accurate, authentic and thoughtful.
"... Christians seem stuck in a worship rut -- an unsatisfying routine -- instead of having a vibrant friendship with God, because they force themselves to use devotional methods or worship styles that don't fit the way God uniquely shaped them."
"Your biggest distraction in worship is yourself..."
"God pleasing worship is deeply emotional and deeply doctrinal."

BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Genesis 27, 28, 29
Isaac (who was now blind) asked Esau to take to the fields to find game for a meal, he would bless Esau before he was to pass away at that final meal. Rebekah overheard the conversation and turned to Jacob. She wanted Jacob to bring Isaac his meal so he could be blessed. Jacob assured her that Isaac would know it was him and not Esau. He did as Rebekah commanded. She prepared the meal and sent Jacob (in Esau's clothes and goat's skin on his hands) to receive the blessing from Isaac. Isaac wondered how the meal was prepared so quickly, he also heard that it was Jacob's voice but felt that it was Esau's hands. Isaac blessed Jacob thinking he was Esau. As Jacob was leaving Isaac Esau was returning from hunting. Esau prepared a meal and went in to Isaac. Isaac was confused by all of this and said that he had already blessed Jacob. Esau begged for yet another blessing. A grudge was now between the brothers. Esau made it clear that he was going to kill Jacob. Rebekah sent Jacob away in hopes that Esau's fury would die down. (Genesis 27)
Isaac sent Jacob to Haran to find a wife, not Canaan. Esau married Mahalath, Abraham's granddaughter. Jacob stopped to rest on his journey and had a dream. He dreamt there was a ladder that allowed angels to move up and down on it. God stood at the top and told him he would be blessed. When Jacob woke up he took that rock that he slept on and put it as a pillar with oil on top. He renamed that place Bethel. That pillar became God's house and Jacob would give a tenth of what he had. He vowed to trust God on his journey. (Genesis 28)
They ventured on with their sheep, coming upon a well there were others there. They were from Haran and knew Laban the man Isaac had spoke of. Rachel was coming down with the sheep. Jacob opened the well to water all the sheep. He then kissed Rachel and explained who his was, she ran to tell her father. Jacob stayed with them a month. Laban asked how Jacob wanted to be paid, he said he would work 7 years for Rachel. That 7 years seemed like no time at all because of the love he had for her. The 7 years were over and he asked Laban for his promised bride, Rachel. Laban prepared a feast and that night sent his oldest daughter, Leah, in to be with Jacob. Jacob was so upset to find out that he had received the wrong daughter! He asked why Laban would do such a thing, he said that it wasn't their custom to marry the youngest daughter before the oldest. Laban said that if Jacob fulfilled his time with Leah that he could also have Rachel, he did and he received Rachel. He loved Rachel far more than he loved Leah, he served 7 more years for Laban. God saw that Leah was unloved and yet she conceived 4 sons, Rachel was barren. (Genesis 29)

FLYLADY
I did a lot last night before I went to bed so I wouldn't feel bad about being gone all day today with my mom. I did wake up with puppy around 5 and emptied the dishwasher. I've got a load of laundry going now and my sink is still shining. This routine of keeping everything tidy is truly a wonderful thing, I feel way less stressed that's for sure. 

COUCH-TO-5K
I seriously walked the majority of the time we were shopping, sitting happened in the car in between locations. I'm wiped out!

** I just remembered we went to Dollar Tree too!

Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th is day that spooks some people, but not me! I hope you had a good day, I did.

I took my time getting ready this morning since I didn't have an appointment until noon. I actually put on a full face of makeup rather than just the around the house look. After my appointment I didn't have much on my agenda today, but I made a trip to Target for some needed items and got some of the junk organized in our bedroom. While at Target I needed to get some carpet spot cleaner and there was this foam cleaner system (Resolve makes it). I was a bit skeptical, I mean how well could a $15 thing work... I was pleasantly surprised! It works awesome!!! The carpet in our apartment is like an off-white color so it shows any and everything, but now it's looking like when we first moved in again.

Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
Quotes from this chapter:
You are as close to God as you want to be.
To be God's friend, you must be honest to God, sharing your true feelings, not what you think you ought to feel or say. 
Unbelievers often think Christians obey out of obligation or guilt or fear of punishment, but the opposite is true. Because we have been forgiven and set free, we obey out of love -- and our obedience brings great joy!
Pain is the fuel of passion -- it energizes us with an intensity to change that we don't normally possess.

BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Genesis 24, 25, 26
Abraham sent a servant out to find Isaac a wife. He took up 10 camels and headed to Mesopotamia. He stopped at the gates and prayed for God's guidance in choosing the proper wife for Isaac. He asked that the woman be generous enough to offer water for him and the camels. God provided such a woman in Rebekah. She provided shelter for the servant and his camels. Before he would eat he stated his business in regards to Isaac. The family agreed that Rebekah return with the servant to become Isaac's wife. Isaac loved her and was comforted after his mother's death. (Genesis 24)
Abraham left everything to Isaac before he passed away. They buried him with Sarah. Ishmael's sons are listed. Rebekah was barren until Isaac prayed to God. She became pregnant with twins, Esau and Jacob. Isaac favored Esau and Rebekah Jacob. Esau asked for some of Jacob's soup but Jacob said he would if Esau sold him his birthright. Esau despised his birthright. (Genesis 25)
Isaac lived in Gerar because of the Lord's leading. Isaac said that Rebekah was his sister... an all too familiar story. The king saw Isaac and Rebekah together and asked why he said she was his sister. He said he feared for his life, the king called him out. He said that anyone who touches them would be put to death. Isaac prospered there. The king sent them away because they were "too powerful."Isaac began re-digging the wells that his father's people had. The herdsmen tried to take it because it had flowing water. He dug another well, and again the herdsmen tried to take it. He attempted a third well, he knew that was were the Lord wanted them. The king saw that God was blessing Isaac and came to make a truce. Esau married Judith and they brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah. (Genesis 26)

FLYLADY
Got some things organized in our bedroom. I know that there are several tubs that need to be purged yet, but I got a jump on it tonight. I also pulled the washer and dryer out to clean the floors/walls, that was disgusting...
I attempted to leave a pan on the counter to dry and a dirty dish in the sink before I settled down to finish this, but I just couldn't do it! So now my kitchen is sparkling again.

COUCH-TO-5K
This didn't happen again today... I've got to make this a priority. Maybe I just need to start getting up early and going before I go to school/work next week.

S*OW

Today started out decent I suppose, except for the disgusting white junk on the ground. As you can tell I’m not a fan of s*ow, in fact I view it as a curse word in my home (just kidding!). Because it’s so cold outside the furnace in our apartment just can’t keep up, making it sooooo cold! I don’t like cold weather at all, which is why I remained inside today. Honestly, I don’t anticipate going to the gym tonight either... it’s too cold to walk and I’m not driving a block. Maybe trying out my Wii active game or something would be a good idea.

Today is Thursday and Zach has acting class at 5... and I completely forgot today!!! We left our place at 10 til and made it at 10 after. Of all the things to forget...

I’m hoping that I can get some organizing done in our bedroom this evening with the help of Nathan and the boys. It’s unfortunate that we don’t have any storage where we live and the one room where we live that is supposed to be a sanctuary, is now in fact the catch all. I’ve gotten rid of so many things, so the things that we have to store are things that we need to keep (i.e. summer clothes, holiday decor). I just hope we can figure out a way for it to be organized enough to not look like clutter.

Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
God wants to be my best friend.
When I think about my best friends I think about the time we spend together and all of the details we share with one another, I feel like I do that with God. But sometimes I find that I’m not always the best listener and that could be what’s standing between me and my relationship with God. So how can I become God’s best friend? By being in constant conversation with him and by mediation. It says that if I know how to worry, then I already know how to meditate... just change those thoughts of worry to scripture. Spend time in God’s word, spend time remembering to talk to him throughout the day... brings a new light to “pray without ceasing.”

BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today’s passages: Genesis 20, 21, 22, 23
Abraham and Sarah set out on another journey where he once again told a king that Sarah was his sister and the king took her as his wife. God came to the king in a dream and said that he was a dead man because he took up with another man’s wife. He pleaded with God for his life because he had not had relations with Sarah. God would spare him if he were to restore Sarah as Abraham’s wife. He restored Sarah and asked Abraham why he would do such a thing and he explained that Sarah was in fact his half sister. The king then understood and shared his wealth with Abraham. God restored the king’s wife and maids so they could again bore children. (Genesis 20)
Sarah conceived and gave birth to a son, Isaac. On the eighth day Abraham circumcised him. A great feast was given the day Isaac was weaned. Soon after Sarah no longer wanted Hagar and her son to be around. God told Abraham to listen to Sarah and so he gave them food and sent them on their way. They walked until they were out of water. Hagar prayed that God wouldn’t allow her to see her son die, God assured her that was not the case. When she opened her eyes a well appeared. The boy grew and became a great archer, his mother chose an Egyptian wife for him. The king and Abraham made a covenant in the land of the Philistines. (Genesis 21)
God came to Abraham and asked that he take his son Isaac and offer him as a sacrifice. Abraham did as he was asked, he prepared an alter and bound his son. He was preparing to take his life but God intervened. A ram appeared in the brush and Abraham offered the ram as the sacrifice. God came to Abraham again and said that he would bless him greatly, that his seed would be greatly multiplied. Abraham learned that his family was growing. (Genesis 22)
Sarah passed away at the age of 127. Abraham asked to bury her out of sight in a cave that belonged to someone else. He purchased the land and cave, that is where Sarah was laid to rest. (Genesis 23)

FLYLADY
Another lazy day. I feel like the majority of my apartment is spotless so I don't have to work as hard. However the bathrooms and bedrooms still need some attention, but I'll have help this weekend.

COUCH-TO-5K
For some reason the wii won't read my game... annoying! And you better believe I'm not walking up to the gym in this freezing cold!!

Hairy up!

Today has been so weird... I woke up at 3:20 with Daphne and again at 6:20, and out of bed by 8. My hair turned out a bit brassier than normal so I threw a toner on my hair, got ready and picked Quinton up from school so we could make it to the dentist by 11. He was having a baby tooth pulled, and boy was it dramatic! The anticipation of the actual procedure really got the best of him, but the actual removal was a cinch (less than 2 minutes). Quinton stayed home the rest of the day and helped me get a few things done. We went and did a little grocery shopping before the dreaded "S" word arrived this evening... After dinner and homework it was haircut time. 3 haircuts take a while, especially when I've been putting it off for an extra couple of weeks... not to mention they all have an astronomical amount of thick hair and cowlicks. By the time I finished the last haircut it was past the boys' bed time so their devotional was skipped tonight, as well as my workout.

Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
The heart of worship is surrender. 3 barriers that block total surrender: fear, pride, and confusion. Surrendering my life to God is extremely difficult, but it's something that I need to work on. I feel like I give him some things but not others. One thing that I really need to give to him is my infertility, my want for a child, to be a mother. What if that's truly what he wants for me? What if that is part of my blessing or someone else's in my life? Who am I to push blessings away?? I've got all three barriers up when it comes to that... I'm praying for the strength to surrender that part of me.

"The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become -- because he made us. He invented all the different people that you and I were intended to be .... It is when I turn to Christ, when I give up myself to His personality, that I first begin to have a real personality of my own."
-C.S. Lewis

BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Genesis 17, 18, 19
Abram became Abraham and a covenant was established between God and Abraham. Circumcision was the symbol of the covenant between them. God told Abraham that his people must be circumcised or they would be cut off from his people. God also said that Sarai was now Sarah and that she would bear a child, to whom would be called Isaac. That day all of Abraham's people were circumcised just as he and Ishmael were.  (Genesis 17)
Visitors came to Abraham and Sarah's. Upon arrival Abraham asked Sarah to prepare bread and asked a servant to prepare a calf. The visitors told Abraham that this time next year Sarah would have a son, Sarah overheard this. The visitors then set off for Sodom and Gomorrah. Sodom and Gomorrah had become wicked and corrupt. God was going to wipe it off the map, but Abraham asked if he could find 10 righteous people there if God would spare it... God agreed. (Genesis 18)
The visitors arrived and Lot greeted them at the gates. Lot begged them to stay in the servant's house but they wanted to stay in the town square. They also asked about having relations with men, where Lot offered his 2 daughters. They refused and started a riot of sorts. Lot went to seek help from his future sons-in-law but they thought he was joking! In the morning Lot and his family fled the city. God asked that they not turn to look at the destruction or they would be turned to a pillar of salt... Lot's wife looked. Abraham awoke the next morning and saw the smoke from the cities. Lot and his daughters sought refuge in Zoar. The girls knew there wasn't a man that would come for them so they decided to get Lot drunk and have relations in order to preserve their family. Both became pregnant and bore sons. (Genesis 19)

FLYLADY
Cleared off the bookcase that was being used as a pantry and actually put things away in the pantry. Also cleared out some expired goods.We went through some of my baking pans and got rid of quite a few. Also got the boys involved today, had Quinton take out all the trash in every room and Zach vacuumed all the carpet. All in all a pretty good day.

COUCH-TO-5K
My calves are still pretty sore today, I wondered when that was actually going to happen. However, out of complete selfishness and hatred for the "S" word that has invaded the KC area I avoided the gym. If it's still yucky tomorrow I may have to settle for a workout DVD.

Trust

Woke up without an alarm clock (unless you consider Daphne one) at 3:45 this morning, I couldn't fall back asleep. I finally went and laid back down about 6:30 when Nathan got up, but didn't fall asleep until around 8. I woke up around 10ish and felt like half my day was already gone... I made breakfast, did my devotional, retouched my hair, and ran a few errands. Just feeling rather run down the last couple of days, I hope that exercising will help to eliminate that problem.

I'm not feeling so hot, so I'm going to hop off of here and watch my DVR'd Biggest Loser.

Thoughts from today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
God smiles when I trust him completely, obey him wholeheartedly, when I praise and thank him continually, and when I used my talents and abilities. He created me to be the exact person that I am, no mistakes. I should be praising him for the gifts that I have all the time. Every act can be an act of worship if he is at the forefront of it. The only time God is unable to look upon us is when sin enters the picture. He gave us everything for a reason, now it's our turn to appreciate it and give him the glory he deserves. I am so blessed in my life and I am certain I could be praising God more for it.

BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages:  Genesis 14, 15, 16
A battle ensued and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fell into tar pits. The people that survived fled, along with Lot and his wife. Abram got word and set out to rescue Lot and the people, he succeeded. The king of Sodom was grateful and praised God with Abram. Abram wouldn't take material items for a reward just the food that his people ate at the feast. (Genesis 14)
God told Abram that his rewards would be great and that we would have an heir of his own. God told Abram to count the stars and that his how many descendents he would have. He also told him that another battle would ensue, but this land was given to Abram and his descendents. (Genesis 15)
Apparently Abram shared the news of a coming child with Sarai. Since she was barren she felt it necessary to have Hagar, her handmaid, become Abram's new wife. Hagar conceived and Sarai despised her. Sarai treated her terribly and she fled. God found Hagar and commanded her to return to Sarai. He promised Hagar a multitude of descendants. Hagar's first born son was named Ishmael. (Genesis 16)

FLYLADY
Let's see... well, another day I didn't do much. I kept the kitchen clean, no dishes in the sink and all that jazz. I might still work a bit in there tonight, but we'll see. The sink is still shiny!

COUCH-TO-5K
I went to the gym by myself tonight! I'm pretty proud, I have to admit. I'm not proud however of the ridiculous dinner I ate at On The Border an hour before... I'm feeling pretty nauseous at this point.
I did 5 minutes on level 5 on the stationary bike because all of the treadmills were full, then I attempted to do workout 1... I made it through about 15 minutes before my calves started to ball up. I stretched them out and walked home. Tomorrow has to be better...

Kid's Devotion 1 Peter 1:18-21

Hair day

More crying puppy very early this morning... once the lights were turned on we found puppy mess at the foot of our bed (because evidently we didn't wake up to take her potty at some point). I got up around 8:30, made myself some breakfast, did my devotional time, and started work on the office area. I got that done around 1, made myself lunch and then Esther came over to do my hair. Kids got home in the middle of my hair process, had to help with science fair project, homework, make dinner, etc. So the whole day just got away from me. When the kids went to bed at 9 I wanted to go to the gym, but no one else was going and quite honestly I'm tired. As soon as I finish this I'm going to bed. Tomorrow is another day...

Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
We were made for God's enjoyment. We were made to worship. Worship isn't just the music service or church services, it should be every part of our lives. Another thing that I didn't realize is that worship isn't about me, it's about God! We don't worship to please ourselves or to get something out of it, we worship to please God and draw closer to Him. "How is it possible to do everything to the glory of God? By doing everything as if you were doing for Jesus and by carrying on a continual conversation with Him while you do it." By constantly thinking about God, we're abiding in his love. Real worship is all about falling in love with Jesus.

BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Genesis 12, 13
Genesis 12 is about Abram doing as God told him to do. As Abram, Sarai, and Lot were traveling through the lands God led them to they were blessed. Once they reached Egypt Abram asked that Sarai say she is his sister rather than his wife because he knew Pharaoh would want her for his own wife, and that is exactly what happened. God then put a plague on Pharaoh's house because  of Sarai. Pharaoh then commanded that Abram take Sarai and leave.
Genesis 13 is where Abram and Lot have to separate because the land can't support their livestock and whatnot while they are together. So Lot chooses the valleys of Jordan, near Sodom, and Abram stays in Canaan. Abram prayed and God said that all the land Abram could see was for his family and it would be blessed. They settled in Hebron and built an alter to the Lord.

FLYLADY
I got the new office area organized, ran a few loads of laundry and shined my sink. Everything is starting to shape up in record time. I didn't have an enormous amount of time to do housework today, but the rest of the week will be full of refining the kitchen, bedrooms, laundry room, hall closet and the dreaded bathrooms (my lease favorite room to clean). This place will be clean and organized before I start my internship on Monday morning.

COUCH-TO-5K
I am a total slacker... my husband got home later than usual and that pushed our normal routine times back. I have to make it at least one or two days this week... I CAN DO THIS!

Kid's Devotion - Mark13:32-37

I "heart" Sundays

Happy Sunday! (It's my favorite day of the week!)

I was awaken by the sweetest of baby dachshund kisses and wimpers at 6:30 this morning, my alarm was set for 8:30. I wasn't going to let getting up a couple hours ahead of schedule ruin my day, so I did some pinning (Pinterest), some Flylady site surfing, and watched a couple of YouTube makeup reviews. I did my normal morning stuff (shower, dress, makeup, but forgot meds and vitamins again!) and then woke my husband up for church. I really wanted Panera for breakfast... we've been trying to cut back/save money and it really wasn't in our budget, but I'm spoiled. Off to Panera we went. We both got a souffle and a frozen drink, decided we'd split a bagel with (reduced fat) cream cheese too. It came up to like $20-ish! I happened to have a $5 gift card (thanks to our Walgreens rewards points), that brought us down to $15 something. And then we swiped that handy Panera rewards card and voila! Another free espresso or drink, bringing us down to a grand total of $10 something!!! What a blessing!

Today's worship (we went to the contemporary service) was full of songs we weren't familiar with, but the sermon spoke volumes. The title of the new sermon series is "Biblical Stewardship: A Study in Personal Responsibility." This week's installment aptly titled "A Responsible Steward," scripture basis 1 Corinthians 4:1-5. What I got out of today's sermon was that God can't bless what you're not willing to give and God deserves your first fruits. Tithing would seem like it would be a big part of what was preached and yes it was mentioned a time or two, but what I heard was God deserves all of my firsts! Including the first part of my day. I've been spending time in God's word daily, but I've been waiting until the end of the day just before bed time. This is prompting me to try to do my devotional time first thing in the morning, I'll give a whirl in the morning. Where tithing is concerned... we've always been tithers of the church we are members of and give monthly to a Christian radio ministry, but we've become lax in this habit. We haven't been active members of a body of believers in nearly 2 years. We've only recently adopted Lenexa Baptist as our church or choice, but haven't become formal members (something we're still praying about). Tithing is something we need to continue to pray about, right now our hearts aren't being convicted in that area. Anyhow, I feel like today was all about remember to put God first and into everything I do.


Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
The ultimate goal of the universe is to show glory to God. And that should be my personal purpose as well. Choosing God rather than all of the fleshy and worldly things. Sometimes it's easy and sometimes it's difficult, but regardless I need to make sure I'm choosing Him every time. I'm starting to make those choices more often, Lord knows the past couple of years have been a struggle. I'm feeling better about my relationship with God every day, knowing that I'm choosing Him because I want Him in my life... that's progress!

BIBLE IN A YEAR
No passages today

FLYLADY
Today was supposed to be a day of relaxation, but I got bit by the cleaning bug after dinner. I went to town in the kitchen! I cleaned the microwave, all of the counters, range hood, top of the stove, entire back-splash, canisters, coffee pot, ran the dishwasher, and shined the sink! It didn't feel like a chore at all, I wanted to do it! I'm looking forward to getting more finished in there tomorrow, I'm shifting some things around as far as cabinets go and purging more junk!

COUCH-TO-5K
Well, I didn't make it to the gym... I had every intention to, but eating a late dinner at 7:30 (normal gym time) messed that up. Tomorrow is another day and I will be there!!!

KIDS DEVOTION: Matthew 28:1-9

Clean Machine!

I went to bed early and woke up early with a mission as to how today would go. Well, it went fairly close to what I had hoped. We got things shifted around so we now have an office area in the living room. We moved the desk and filing cabinet out of our bedroom so it could actually be utilized, rather than a hot spot for junk. We've still got to get that area completely set up and organized, but that's an easy fix that will be done tomorrow.

I forgot to take my vitamins and medication this morning, but I haven't been nauseous all day (thank goodness). However, I have felt a little down in the energy department today. Probably not going to make it to the gym tonight either, we decided to switch to Sunday through Thursday anyway. It'll be okay, it was important to me to get as much of the home stuff done while the kids were gone and I did.

Tomorrow is Sunday Funday! Church, the kids come home, maybe some baking, maybe some family board games!

Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
Earth is a temporary place, home is in heaven. Materialism and money have no bearing in heaven, never focus on temporary crowns... your crowns are in heaven! What a new way to see this life, the way God sees it!!

BIBLE IN A YEAR
Passages: Genesis 10, 11
Genesis 10 is all about the genealogy of Noah's sons
Babel was an actual town where the people set out to cause confusion through language, the Lord than scattered them among the earth and the building of Babel was stopped. Terah was Abram's father, Abram's brother Haran was the father of Lot, Abram married Sarai and she was barren.

FLYLADY
I went way above and beyond what this week called for, but I felt it necessary. I want to get as much of this place purged and organized before I start a full-time internship and a part-time salon schedule. Less stress is always helpful.

COUCH-TO-5K
As much as I intended to go to the gym today, I feel like I did a lot around our apartment today. Tomorrow is another day!

Tummy Troubles

I was so excited for today to arrive, it was orientation for my teaching internship. I picked out a great outfit and felt pretty confident, despite my flat hair day.... I officially start on the 16th! I'm really looking forward to learning more and helping the students enjoy their education. Somewhere between orientation and taking the kids to meet their mom my stomach started feeling queasy. We made it home in plenty of time to go to the gym, but I'm afraid to move around too much because I just might get sick.

Not much got accomplished on the Flylady regimen, but that will change tomorrow. The largest room in our apartment is the living room, so that's my project for the weekend. We're also going to move the office stuff in to the living room so it's more easily accessible and utilized (it's been hanging out in our bedroom collecting junk). The intent is to shampoo the carpets too, but I'm not holding my breath on that one.


Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
Life is a test and a trust.
God is always testing us, even in the smallest of circumstances. One of the biggest tests and trusts is money. "God says there is a direct relationship between how I use my money and the quality of my spiritual life. How I manage my money determines how much God can trust me with spiritual blessings." Lots to think about...

BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Genesis 8,9 and Psalm 12
I always wondered how all the flood waters were gone, God caused a wind... interesting (Gen 8)
The rainbow is the sign of the covenant between God and all living creatures. Noah drank too much wine and fell asleep exposed, where his son Canaan found him. Shem and Japheth covered Noah up, but because Canaan saw Noah naked Noah cursed him and made him a servant to his 2 brothers. (Gen 9)
"The words of the Lord are pure" (Psalm 12:6)

FLYLADY
Not much accomplished today because of this crazy schedule.
The mantra for 2012 is "Shelving Perfectionism," something I really struggle with. I want everything to be perfect all the time and if it's not, I just give up. I'm trying not to get to overwhelmed with the idea of having to get everything done now because that's not the point of this program. The point is to take it in small steps... but I really feel like I can't rest until it's 100% done...
Sink is shiny!

COUCH-TO-5K
I'm bummed that my stomach is being weird... I was really looking forward to running tonight. However, it will be one of the very first things I take care of in the morning if my stomach is better. I think we're going to adjust our gym schedule to Sunday through Thursday, so the kids can go with us (they really enjoy it).

Busy, busy!

It’s been a busy day today! I had to run a few errands before my regular Friday client, except this is the off week we do color as well. I rushed home to get Zach and his friend, Max, so we would make it to their acting class on time... picking up fast food (yuck!) dinner on the way. We made it home in time to hit the gym, but the entire time I was doing other things I was thinking about running (which I think is good!). I’m still reeling from my victory on the treadmill last night, and oddly enough I’m not really sore! We’ll see how well the next few weeks progress, but I’m thinking about signing up for a 5k in March or April. I’ve got the gym stuff down pretty well, I think I’m ready to start changing my diet up too... just wish fruits and vegetables were cheaper!

Tomorrow will be another busy day, but the weekend is full of cleaning Flylady style!


Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
There’s more to life than just the here and now.
This life is a dress rehearsal for the big show in eternity. Thinking about living each day, each moment with eternity in mind can and will change the way I think about everything!  Everything in this life has a direct consequence in eternity. What things would I change if I lived each day as if this were my last day?? I better get started on those changes!

BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today’s passages: Genesis 6, 7
Noah found favor while the rest of the world was about to be wiped out by the flood. Noah, his wife, his 3 sons, his sons’ wives, and 2 of each type of animal were the only ones to be saved from the flood via the ark that God told Noah to make. (Gen 6)
God said to take 7 of every clean animal and 2 of the unclean. It rained 40 days and 40 nights (is that anything like Seattle I wonder?). The Earth was continuously covered with water for 150 days.
I also noticed that 7 and 40 were pretty prominent numbers.

FLYLADY
Didn’t get hardly anything accomplished today because my schedule was so packed... tomorrow I’m going to try to get a few things done before I have orientation at my new internship teaching job (I’m totally excited!!!). Not discouraged, just wish there were more hours in a day!
Keeping the sink shiny!!

COUCH-TO-5K
I made it to the gym again tonight, it’s a record! I did some ab work and rode the bike for a while. The entire time I was working out tonight I kept thinking about running... so I’m looking forward to running tomorrow! I want to get this ball rolling so I can sign up for a 5k!!

KID’S DEVOTION 1 Timothy 5:1-4

Dining Room is for Dining

I've had another productive day!!

The morning started out a little "ruff" at 4:30 when Daphne, our 7 week old puppy, decided it was time to get up and play... but I eventually made it back to bed for another hour of sleep before everyone left for school/work before 8. I had forgotten that Biggest Loser season 13 premiered last night so I had to watch that while I ate my breakfast. That show gets me so pumped up and motivated! I immediately started work on the dining room. There are 2 tall bookcases, 1 short bookcase, and our pub height 4 person table set. The bookcases were beyond disorganized and the table was piled high. I found so many things, got rid of so many things, and decided we need an area dedicated solely to electronics. I hung a few pictures, vacuumed, and tried to get our carpet shampooer working... my dad came by to look at it on his way home but couldn't save it. So, my goal is to get through the living room in the next couple of days so we can rent a rug doctor to clean the carpets.

Busy couple of days coming up, but I know I can keep this momentum going! I at least have to get the Christmas tree down (it's so pretty, I'm having a hard time)...


Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
What drives my life?
This chapter has so much good stuff in it!! I learned that I have been driven by fear for way too long, "Fear is a self-imposed prison that will keep you from becoming what God intends for you to be." It's time for me to get off the fear bandwagon and on to the God driven wagon. So eye-opening! I will be re-reading this chapter again in the morning to make sure I got everything.

BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Genesis 3. 4. 5
Genesis 3 is a tough one for me, I hate knowing that Eve was so easily tempted.
Gen 4:7 speaks volumes to me, sin is always knocking on the door of every opportunity!
I can't even believe people lived that many years!!! Methuselah was 969 when he died!!!

FLYLADY
I'm so pumped that I got another room done!! Being organized, clean, and decluttered really does something for a person's spirit, at least it does mine.
I think I'll post pictures of the progress at the end of the week, I probably should have taken befores!
I shined the sink too!

COUCH-TO-5K
I was looking forward to the gym tonight. I had it in my mind that I was going to work harder to go longer, and I did! I did 5 more minutes than I did last time, bringing me to 20 minutes without stopping! I'm so proud of myself!!! Tomorrow I might try my Wii active or 1 of the workout DVDs I have since I won't be able to go to the gym (Zach has his acting class tomorrow night).

*KID'S DEVOTION: 1 Samuel 16:6-13

Entry Way

Today was the first day that my husband and kids were back at school and work. I thought with everyone gone I'd get more accomplished, but didn't get as much done as I had hoped. I spent a good hour or so running errands while in search of those magnificent little things called "Hercules Hooks" to hang some pictures. Much to my dismay they are nearly non-existent these days... Anyhow, upon my return I started work on the entry way/hallway (Zone 1) to our apartment. I washed the walls, baseboards, doors (front and closet), swept, mopped, hung pictures, and organized the entry closet. I guess I did quite a bit, but because it's such a small area I just don't feel like it was huge accomplishment. It's definitely more inviting and feels like a home with pictures of my boys up. Did I mention that we've lived in this apartment for a year and a half?

Tomorrow I plan to conquer the second part of Zone 1, the dining room... which is also our library/catch all. 

Oh, and I shined my sink!


Thoughts on today:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
I am not an accident.
He chose my parents, my body, my skin, my talents. There are so many parts of myself that I struggle to accept, but God wanted me to have this for a purpose... His purpose. Using my body issues to draw closer to Him, He totally planned that but I'm just now realizing it. He's so awesome!


BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: John 1:13, Psalm 8, Psalm 104
John 1:1 has always been a comfort to me. I guess knowing that God is the be all end all kind of makes me worry less about everything else because He's "got this."
How awesome is our God that He can just "display splendor"... I'm in awe (Psalm 8)
I love, love, love Psalm 104:33, I will sing to the Lord as long as I live (this one is going on the mirror)

FLYLADY
Entry way is complete. Sink is sparkling. Dining room is the project for tomorrow, and maybe Thursday. Feeling confident at the small steps of making my entire home sparkle, trying not to get overwhelmed with the other Zones being not as clean... 

COUCH-TO- 5K
I didn't run today because I ran yesterday. I did however make it to the gym. I did 5 minutes walking on the treadmill, 5 minutes on the elliptical, (20) sit-ups, (5 girl) push-ups, and some weight training on my arms (with my husband). I stretched quite a bit tonight, but still feeling good about this.

KID'S DEVOTION
Isaiah 40:28-31

First Monday of the Year

Resolutions smeselutions.....

This year is all about becoming the best version of myself. I realize that taking on a million different things at one time can be overwhelming and could blow up in my face, but so far I'm feeling good about it. Here's what I've got going on:

-Reading "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rich Warren, 40 day journey
-Reading the bible in a year: "Reading God's Story: One-Year Chronological Plan" (www.youversion.com)
-Flylady cleaning plan (www.flylady.com)
-Couch-to-5k running plan (www.coolrunning.com)

As you can see, I may have bitten off more than I can chew... but I accomplished all of these tasks today in about a hour to hour and a half. I even got up, made breakfast, took a shower, ran errands, did some laundry, and even did a devotional* with my kids. This seems really doable right now, I'm hoping that it continues to feel that way when I start my internship on the 16th.

Thoughts on today's plans (Day 1 for everything):

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
It's not about me, it's about God... I need to remember that everyday, I think I'm going to put a post-it on my mirror that says that. I need to think about how everything I do is for Him, how loving my kids or taking care of my home is worship because these are things that He has blessed me with. Wow... this is definitely something to keep in perspective and the forefront of my thoughts.


BIBLE IN A YEAR (NASB Version)
Today's passages were Genesis 1 and 2, birth of all creation.
1:27 God created man in his own image (I'm an image-bearer, how awesome is that?!)
I love knowing that God allowed man to choose the names for the creatures (2:19)
2:24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. (two shall become one)

FLYLADY
The main focus of the month of January is shine your sink, literally meaning to shine your kitchen sink. I took the time to do the steps that are lined out and my sink looks amazing and I feel like I accomplished something.
This week is all about Zone 1 (front porch, entrance area, and dining room). I cleared the clutter from our entry hallway, that's as far as I got. Tomorrow I intend to wipe down the walls/baseboards and mop, I might even get a head start on the dining room clutter.

COUCH-TO-5K
I intend to run a 5k in October with one of my best friends (can you say motivation and support?) and she mentioned this plan. I downloaded the app (I have an iPhone, it was $0.99) and it's awesome. However, because I've been sedentary for so long I didn't make it through the entire first workout. I did make it to the half way point (15 minutes) and stopped because I was light-headed. I will be attempting to complete workout 1 again on Wednesday and again on Friday. I will keep trying until I finish it before I move on to workout 2, this is all about becoming healthy not about a time frame.

*KID'S DEVOTION: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
(The One Year Book of Devotions for Kids)

2012!!

I resolve to...

1- become more intentional in my relationship with God.

2- build a better relationship with my husband and children.

3- become more disciplined in my housekeeping (deeper than the surface).

4- improve my overall health and well-being, including run a 5k.

5- read more.

6- learn to crochet/sew.


There are so  many things I could put on this list, but I really want to succeed this year! I encourage you to be more intentional in your relationships in 2012!