34...

I just looked at the date of my last post, and it was almost a month ago. 

Let's see what has transpired during that time. I've turned 34...celebrated with friends on amazing life milestones...fallen in love with pomegranates...resisted the urge to play Christmas music until I have a slice of turkey on the actual day of thanks....already celebrated Thanksgiving...taught Chunk's how to say how old he is....finally gave in to Coco and cut her ponytail....and I think the crowning moment would have to be I've really accepted where I am in my life, and those I'm doing life with. People come...they go...the special ones hang around for a while, and life still has a way of being the same but different. 

My prayer has really been that I do not miss the specialness of each day....OR, as I heard it so quaintly put...don't wish for the sunset while watching it rise. 

So...that's what's up on this end. Still pausing. Not moving. Being still. Being quiet. Trying so very hard to not miss the beauty in the little things...and trying even harder to not whine too much...lol.  

Until next time... 

Holy Pause

So...I have pulled this page up numerous times, wanting to share an update, what I have found funny, what I'm learning in my Bible study and quiet time, and all that jazz, but nothing comes to me when I try to write.  NOTHING.

Writing comes very naturally for me.  It is my preferred method of communication.  It's where I am uninhibited, free, transparent, and it's the only way that I can keep up with my rapid moving thoughts.  I don't necessarily write for anyone to read this...in fact, if you read this, we don't have to talk about it.  I just know that I have read some amazing blogs, and perhaps someone, somewhere can pick one or two things from my blog, and you know....contribute to world peace!

But anywho, the other day, I read something, and it resonated with me completely.  You can read the article here:  http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/why-i-quit-depending-on-my-own-plans/

A holy pause.  Which surprisingly, sounds a lot better than waiting.....ha!

I feel like I can do 1000 things, but don't have the 'release' to do any of them.  I feel like the Holy Spirit has shut down every bright idea that I have tried to come up with.  Things that I know God gave me to do originally, but in this season....I have to be still.  And that friends is hard for me.  I like to get things done, contribute, tirelessly serve, but in this season, all I can do is work...but the most important thing I can do during this time, what I've been called to do if you will is get in the word.

And enjoy this holy pause.

90 Day Biggest Loser Contest Day 1

Happy October 1st!! It's been forever since I've last posted, and I'm back with a fun personal challenge!  

Today I started my 90 Day Biggest Loser Challenge by replacing one meal a day with our yummy ProFit protein shake, and eating clean and mean for lunch and dinner (minus the tablespoon of Nutella....transparency right?!?). I needed extra energy today, so I had two servings of greens! 

Body pump rocked my socks off today, and I'm feeling great! Tonight for dinner I made PF Changs Lettuce Wraps!

Photo credit: Damn Delicious

I'll be back tomorrow with more updates, and things like that!  It's not too late to join us....we'd love to lose with you!

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Beauty for Ashes

Have you ever felt like something was coming?  Heart racing....eye twitching....kind of anxious...like prom night..butterflies in your tummy...seeing your favorite person on the planet walk through the door something was coming?

I have had this feeling all week, and I can't shake it.  I have no rhyme or reason to feel this way.  My quiet time is still riddled with unanswered prayers, but this time it just feels different.  Something.is.coming!

And I hope it's good.

I read the final sessions of my James bible study this week.....I started January 1st, but when I cracked open that book for the first time, I knew that I would take my time.  I would really meditate on the lessons, and if I knew I wasn't in a place to really inhale and ingest the lessons, I wouldn't force the issue.  You can do that when you are studying alone.  I loved every bit of it.  Every in your face, uncomfortable, love for the poor, love for the weak, love for the sinner, examine your heart, examine your motives minute of it.

However, about the last couple of lessons in James, I could feel God asking me what I would do next.  Which lesson I would embark upon....what I would slough off of myself for the next ...6 months....ha!

I started feeling like getting my house in order...cleaning out closets, drawers, organizing, really taking a good look at my finances, and cutting off the fat, saving more (seriously, who am I), and just getting free.....

So I set out to find the perfect bible study for me.  But more importantly, I asked God to show me what He wanted me to do.  And in true Saviour fashion...He did not disappoint.

I've never really had a scripture that I lived by, read all of the time, have everywhere in my home, but in late 2013, God started showing me that everything that I thought I had lost, He would give it back to me.  It was in my dreams, thoughts, the theme of most scriptures I read...it was a real word that I needed, and still need.

Isaiah 61:1-3

New International Version (NIV)

The Year of the Lord’s Favor

61 

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,

    because the Lord has anointed me

    to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

    to proclaim freedom for the captives

    and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]

2 

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor

    and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn,

3 

    and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

    instead of ashes,

the oil of joy

    instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise

    instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

    a planting of the Lord

    for the display of his splendor.

Little did I know that Beth Moore has an entire study on those very precious verses to me, Breaking Free.  I am so happy, and so excited to see what God will do through me as a result of what I learn.  So happy to get rid of some baggage, junk, mess, stuff, just ugh!  I can't wait to get rid of it!!!

So, I'm starting this new journey, with an expectant heart, knowing that something is around the corner. Whatever it is.....I know it will display His splendor.

He Loves Us...

Sometimes I forget that God really cares about the things I care about. Today, He went out of His way to speak to this ole heart of mine. 

He spoke clearly, gently, and with timing that even had me wondering if I had picked up the phone and actually used one of my lifelines. 

Then, I happened across a Facebook post tonight that a couple whom I've never met is expecting twins after years and years of infertility and failed adoptions. Isaiah 61:7....

Double for your trouble and shame. That's what He promises. My heart is encouraged. I know that my story will blow me away, and I can't wait to be a part of it. 

Life Lately...

I love pictures....I love seeing what people deem necessary to freeze in time with the click of  button....

Here's what has been my life lately!

I did my second Jamberry manicure with my loot I earned from the party I hosted.  It was SO much easier with the heater.  And I LOVE how they came out....I'll just get better with time!

 Sweet Coco after her last grooming session.....I just love this dog!!!

Have you ever heard of these?  They're called Curlformers.  And they do just that- form a curl.  I got the knock off brand from Amazon called Vakind, but I watched a video that compared the original brand to the knock off brand, and felt confident in purchasing. LOVED the way my hair turned out, HATED the night's sleep.....it was uncomfortable to say the least.  I'm going to have to figure out another plan on doing my hair with these.

Seriously the BEST snack ever.  Gluten free, and the ingredients are only Apples and Cinnamon!  So good...sweet with a touch of tart!  You can find these at Wal-Mart!

So...what have you been up to?

Just one touch...

I remember as a child, watching everyone go to the altar at the end of the church service. I wish I could say that it moved me to tears, and that I 'got it' from the very beginning, but that's not the truth.

The truth is I would often want to hurry that part of the service along so I could get to what I thought to be better things...like dinner, my pager (seriously...why did I need that), whatever book I was reading at the time...you get it. 

Oh, but today! I don't know if it's because I realize the high cost for which I've been bought, or because I've prayed ceaselessly for my loved ones to accept Christ, but today, the altar call is my most favorite part of the service. 

I imagine how nervous they are...heart beating outside of their chests, feet shackled to the floor by sin, pain, and fear...battling the lies satan is whispering in their ears, {you'll never change, God doesn't love you, who do you think you are} but then...it happens...a small move toward the aisle, and before you know it, a friend takes their hand and walks with them on the greatest journey one can ever take. It moves me to tears every single time. 

Because all it takes is just a single touch. One touch from the creator of heaven and earth, and a lifetime of struggle, hurts, and disappointments are washed away. Can you imagine that...?

I've been seeing a ton of posts about friends and family members who have recently accepted Christ, and no matter how rushed I think I am...I say a prayer for them. That God would protect them, strengthen their heart, and they will never return to their old 'wine skins' again. 

I, like many of you are praying for people to stop running, and to surrender. And my heart is encouraged every single time I hear of the 'one' coming back home.