As we approach the new year there are so many things that people are focusing on. The number one thing that is used as a New Years Resolution is losing weight and I already see the pins on Pinterest showing pictures of skinny girls. Losing weight is not bad and God tells us to honor him with how we treat ourselves but being overly focused on it is dangerous to us and those around us.
After many talks with Joe and lots of praying I have decided instead of resolutions that may fade within a month or two... I want to make life changes that will honor God. There are several areas of my life that I want to improve and that I am going to really try to focus on
-thinking of Joe first in our marriage at ALL times
-trusting Joe to make decisions for us in all areas of our life
-getting out of debt and sticking to it
-pushing myself to step out of my comfort zone with ministry
but the number one thing that I need to work on that affects all of these areas is trust. I need to work on trust. My trust issues come from all areas of my life from watching my family to my own experiences with people. I have forgiven and moved on but there is still a deep feeling of distrust with people and often with God. It is hard to constantly live in peace when you feel like you are constantly having to watch your back or guard yourself.
The truth is that I don't need to live like that anymore. God has freed me from that life and those thoughts and given me a truly loving husband that is worth following. However, I cant hold onto these thoughts or else my feeling of distrust can control me and my decisions. Matthew 6 states
Do Not Worry
25"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27"And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?
This is a praise in so many ways yet Satan tries to keep us trapped in thoughts and lies. I have been trapped by these thoughts in small and hidden ways and I am challenging myself and you to really take a look at the life you are living and ask if you are living it for the glory of God in every way.
Are you captive by any thoughts, fears, or worry? If so make it your challenge and resolution to truly give those things up to God, only then can your life really change.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Monday, September 2, 2013
Living life in the moment...
Since it is labor day and I was off of school, Joe and I went on a breakfast date and enjoyed our completely non-paleo meal. We are trying to eat better permanently but there are times you need to be able to enjoy things that are not good for you... so this morning was one of those times. :)
As we sat and talked over coffee one subject became the focus of our conversation... babies. For awhile now it seems like everyone around me is getting pregnant and having babies or they already have them. Now, most of the time I handle it fine because I honestly don't want to have children right now. But in those moments where I am sick, tired, hungry, or just not myself Satan always seems to throw it in my face and I really struggle.
During this talk with Joe we discussed how once I have children I will long for the days of being able to come home from my job and relax, the days that we can go on dates whenever we want, the days that I can have moments to myself. So often when I am having these low moments I completely forget about all that comes with taking that step in our lives. Don't get me wrong, I want to be a mother and Joe wants to be a father, but there really are so many things that we want to be able to do before that happens.
Joe challenged me to make a list of the things I want to do now and to live in this moment that I have instead of counting down to the future. He told me to take chances and to push myself. Thus, I am thinking about ways to better myself so I can be the person God wants me to be now. Some things are serious and important and some things are silly.
For example I am really thinking about dying my hair. I know that seems so small to most people but for me its huge! My hair is finally natural but there is something about dying or low-lighting hair that signifies change... So as of now I am seriously thinking of taking the plunge and either dying it a warm brown color or doing heavy lowlights. Any opinions are certainly welcome because for me it helps to have opinions! I am just scared that the line from dying hair will be really obvious and I will have to deal with it a lot... but again I have never dyed my hair before so maybe I am wrong.
All in all, I don't know where you are today or what you are going through... maybe your single, engaged, married, pregnant, or have children... wherever you are remember that God has given us each day and wants us to enjoy it to the fullest. Take each and every day and focus on the present so when you get to the future you will have no regrets! Enjoy the Simple Days! :)
As we sat and talked over coffee one subject became the focus of our conversation... babies. For awhile now it seems like everyone around me is getting pregnant and having babies or they already have them. Now, most of the time I handle it fine because I honestly don't want to have children right now. But in those moments where I am sick, tired, hungry, or just not myself Satan always seems to throw it in my face and I really struggle.
During this talk with Joe we discussed how once I have children I will long for the days of being able to come home from my job and relax, the days that we can go on dates whenever we want, the days that I can have moments to myself. So often when I am having these low moments I completely forget about all that comes with taking that step in our lives. Don't get me wrong, I want to be a mother and Joe wants to be a father, but there really are so many things that we want to be able to do before that happens.
Joe challenged me to make a list of the things I want to do now and to live in this moment that I have instead of counting down to the future. He told me to take chances and to push myself. Thus, I am thinking about ways to better myself so I can be the person God wants me to be now. Some things are serious and important and some things are silly.
For example I am really thinking about dying my hair. I know that seems so small to most people but for me its huge! My hair is finally natural but there is something about dying or low-lighting hair that signifies change... So as of now I am seriously thinking of taking the plunge and either dying it a warm brown color or doing heavy lowlights. Any opinions are certainly welcome because for me it helps to have opinions! I am just scared that the line from dying hair will be really obvious and I will have to deal with it a lot... but again I have never dyed my hair before so maybe I am wrong.
All in all, I don't know where you are today or what you are going through... maybe your single, engaged, married, pregnant, or have children... wherever you are remember that God has given us each day and wants us to enjoy it to the fullest. Take each and every day and focus on the present so when you get to the future you will have no regrets! Enjoy the Simple Days! :)
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
These last summer days...
In these last summer days many things are happening and I am happy to say that I am fully taking advantage of not really leaving the house. I am doing this because in just 3 short days I will be starting school and this will no longer be my reality for a long 9 months. On one hand it is so hard to see summer go but I will have to admit that I am ready for fall. I am ready for leaves changing, cool weather, fall clothing, warm coffee, and Saturday nights filled with Hallmark movies!
We are currently doing the Whole 30 challenge and I have to say that the first few days were just short of torture... But now I am feeling better and better and learning how to cook with all sorts of ingredients. Nothing will make you feel more like you are in the Oregon trail days quite like making everything from scratch and all natural ingredients.
While trying to keep up with our 30 day challenge, I am also trying to keep the garden and plants alive in these hot and dry days. That is just one of the many reasons that I am longing for fall. But the biggest reason for wanting fall to come soon is because of all the sights and sounds of fall. I cant wait to bring all of the fall decorations and candles out. It is just such a lovely part of the year and change is always appreciated. I hope that you will take time to thank God for now where ever you are and whatever you are experiencing at the end of this summer season.
With change upon us, take time to enjoy these moments because you will never be able to get them back. :)
We are currently doing the Whole 30 challenge and I have to say that the first few days were just short of torture... But now I am feeling better and better and learning how to cook with all sorts of ingredients. Nothing will make you feel more like you are in the Oregon trail days quite like making everything from scratch and all natural ingredients.
While trying to keep up with our 30 day challenge, I am also trying to keep the garden and plants alive in these hot and dry days. That is just one of the many reasons that I am longing for fall. But the biggest reason for wanting fall to come soon is because of all the sights and sounds of fall. I cant wait to bring all of the fall decorations and candles out. It is just such a lovely part of the year and change is always appreciated. I hope that you will take time to thank God for now where ever you are and whatever you are experiencing at the end of this summer season.
With change upon us, take time to enjoy these moments because you will never be able to get them back. :)
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