Showing posts with label Processing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Processing. Show all posts

Monday, February 14, 2011

A Stirring in my soul

I feel in my heart that God is doing something big.  I don't know what it all means, but all around me, people are standing up for their faith.  They are standing up and saying, "Yes, God! I will obey!" or "Send me! I will follow you to the ends of the earth." And yet, what do I do? I sit in my comfortable home with heat and clean water (though horribly chlorinated these days) and shed many tears as my heart aches to be one of those. And yet I still sit. I'm still and I don't use my voice.

God?  What are you leading me to do? Am I to be taken from the comforts of home and friends whom I have come to love so much to do your work elsewhere?  What does this all mean for our family?  Is there something here that I can do?  Oh how I hate to move my children again and uproot them.  And then... I read this post by Amy.  I worked at camp with her husband.  They are moving to Africa to be missionaries there. Her words in this post and many previous ones touch my heart so deeply, I cannot even begin to understand it all.  But when she says, "So I'm praying that God will help my mommy-heart to remember that it's ok if my kids aren't happy all the time. It's ok for them to dislike the food. It won't scar them for life if they have a tough time in school or if they miss their friends. God will take care of their hearts the same way he's taking care of mine, and they will ultimately be in His hands every moment, just like they are now. "  I am blown away.  It really IS okay for our kids to be out of their comfort zone and really? Their lives and hearts are in God's mighty hands, I just get to hold them for awhile.

God, my heart aches for you. To do YOUR will, not mine. I don't know where this is all leading, but I am excited! I am frightened and I am in awe of how you work in our hearts to follow you.

As the tears fall, Lord, please keep my heart open to you.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Corn Maze!

Backlog of posts coming up....  Backlog #1 = Mid-October!

We drove up to a semi-local corn maze, but the parking lot was almost full and the line to get in was at least 20 minutes long.  Even though it is a fun place, it just wasn't worth waiting in line for.  So, we drove the 45 minutes back home and to a corn maze and fun place just down the road. Next year, we'll know better!!

The kids had fun going through the maze and choosing which way to go.  I loved watching Sweet Pea go through the mental deductions of which way to go next.

Sweet Pea: I can choose now?
Me: Yep!  Whichever way you want to go!
SP: Well, if we go to the left, it could be a dead end and then we would be stuck and have to turn around.  BUT, if we go to the right, that could also be a dead end. But then again it might not be.  We keep going to the top of the maze (I showed them a picture of the maze before we went through), so maybe we should keep going that way, but it would also be away from the end. Mommy? I think we should go to the right.

Great choice, and to the right we went!  Sweet Pea showed such intelligence and analytical thinking, it was amazing to listen to him and watch him come to his own conclusions and for him to be happy with it, no matter the outcome!

At the end of the maze, I twisted my ankle, so the kids played in the big sand pit and picked out pumpkins and then we went home. Next time, I'll watch out for the pot holes and we'll do all the "other" stuff first before the maze!




All in all they had fun though!

Friday, October 15, 2010

Living Without

There is a magazine called Living Without.  It is a magazine dedicated to those with food sensitivities and allergies.  Perfect for someone like me who is trying to live a more Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free life.

Even though I've mentioned the magazine, which I think is great... the name of the magazine is what caught my eye this morning.  Living Without. What does that really mean?  I found the tab open for the magazine, amongst my other 43 tabs and thought to myself that I really hold on to so much.

* I hold onto so many tabs on my browser, because I haven't had the time to look at them yet and if I bookmark them, maybe I will never come back to it.
* I hold onto magazines because there are so great articles, I don't want to forget about.
* I hold onto items that are filling up our garage, because we may need them someday. (no I am not a hoarder!) Realistic items!
* I hold onto clothes that no longer fit, but since I have been trying to get more healthy, the budget-wise person in me doesn't want to go through the process of buying a new wardrobe. The woman in me does, though! :)
* I even hold onto friendships that their season is dying out, but I'm holding on in hopes that it wont.  God gives us friendships.  They need to be nurtured and cared for. If one or both parties lets the ball drop, the season of that friendship starts to die out.  Sometimes you just need a break as you both are in the process of learning about yourself and then you eventually find your way back together, but sometimes not.  I have many such friendships that come back and some that haven't.  It is hard to feel like I am not a failure because those friends are no longer an integral part of my life.  But really, I know that God has something amazing in store for me, so I just count my blessings for the time I had with that person and learn to move on.  Holding on to that hope can eat at you!
* I hold onto the hope that someday I will be the woman God wants me to be, instead of being the woman He made me for right now. Still, working towards that other woman, but being content now is the key.
* I hold onto past hurts and angst, which need to be let go of as they do nothing but hinder me in my walk now.
* I sometimes hold onto my children too tightly.  They need to be free to explore and learn and grow, but this mommy wants just a few more snuggles or a few more years of this cute stage before they go off into the real world - like Kindergarten next year for Sweet Pea! Yikes!
* I hold onto the resources that we have. So many children and people out there need to be fed and clothed and yet I worry if my children are going to get "enough" at Christmas or have "the best" birthday party.  The woman in the blog doesn't think of herself, she thinks of those around her. What if I just let go of the idea that everything has to be perfect? Let go of my desire to fit into the right scenes or social circles and really focus on what is truly important?!

There are so many other things and ideas I hold onto, but need to let go of.  It's just scary to think what is around the next bend. I am reminded constantly of the scene in Finding Nemo when Dory and Marlin are inside the whale's stomach... 
Dory: He says, "It's time to let go!". Everything's going to be all right.
Marlin: How do you know, how do you know something bad isn't gonna happen?!
Dory: I don't!
I don't know what is going to happen next, but I have to trust God that He is in charge, not me! And He will lead me in the right way, even if I have to "let go" and be vulnerable. The next time you see me "holding on", feel free to gently remind me to let go. And if I'm not listening? You have my permission to smack me upside the head.

Here is to a new season! A new season of garage sales, friendships, an eventual new season of new clothes *yay*, a new season of letting my children explore more, a season of godly growth, of listening, obeying and carrying out His plans instead of holding them all to myself.  A new season of giving more. More time, more resources, more wisdom and letting go of the fears that holds me back.  Letting go of the stacks of papers and magazines that clutter up my home and my thoughts. I can Live Without so much if I just set my eyes and heart in the right places and focus on the important things. It is time to be real and focus on the important things that are laid ahead of me, not the ones I place in my path.

Proverbs 21: 2, 20-21 KJV
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.
20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Get out of my head!!!

I have so much running through my brain right now, it is manifesting itself onto my computer and the gazillion tabs I have open. So, in order to remember what I have been wanting to look at and keep track of it (yes, I know I can just bookmark them all, but how often do I really go back and look at those bookmarks?), I'm just going to link them from here.

What's running around in my brain?  Healthy meals and snack planning, VBS, trip to GA, house closing, trip to WV, house painting and moving, MOPS planning for next year, birthdays, and oh yeah, keeping up with friends and family - including the ones that live in my house!!  I know there is so much more running around up there, but I've got to get it out somewhere.

Crafts:  I love doing crafts and activities with my kids!  Especially in these warmer, icky months when it is unbearable outside, it is fun to do some other stuff in the house.  Here is a great site for fun activities for the younger ones.
I want to make this!  Such a fun and beautiful way to display family rules!

Recipes: I am always looking for new recipes and lately with not having baked much, I really want to get back into it, but with healthier options.
Mediterranean Chicken - We don't eat much pasta or gluten around here, so I have to figure out a substitute for the pasta, but the flavors sound delicious!
Spinach Salad - I keep going back to this and just haven't made it yet!  Ooooh! It looks so yummy!

Things to do:
Great resource for knowing some of the stuff that is going on around here.  Here's another!
Get rid of the fruit flies!!  Sometimes our bananas get really ripe and I just didn't take the time to cut them up and freeze them for smoothies, so nice little friendly fruit flies come to visit.  This has worked like a charm!

Phew! I feel better now!  Ten tabs down, only eleven to go!

Saturday, March 20, 2010

What it really means to share

We have a bank set up for the kids in the bathroom.  They made these firehouse banks at Home Depot at one of the workshops.  It is great because it has a spot for them to Save, Spend and Share.  When they go potty, they get a certain number of pennies to put in their bank. 
This morning, I saw Sweet Pea take 2 pennies and put it in his bank and start to walk out.  It just seemed so automatic, so I questioned him about it.  "Sweet Pea, you know you have a spot to put pennies for spending, saving and sharing, right?" "Yes, Mommy", he said, walking away, trying to get back to his toys.  "Wait a second, Sweet Pea.  Why do you put your money in the Share bank each time?" I then, opened up the bank to show him the three sections and to show that the Share section was almost full while spending and saving had just a handful of pennies each.  "Well, Mommy." he said with a slightly crooked stance and his hand on his hip, "we're supposed to share our money with others and this way I can give it to God." Satisfied with his own answer, he walked away as I stood there so proud of my little boy.
No, we didn't have a deep, spiritual conversation about God and the meaning of sharing and giving God your money, but the fact is... for this 4 year old boy, he gets it. He understands the importance in His world.  He accepts it and wants to be a part of the bigger picture.  Awesome!

Monday, February 1, 2010

Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?

I am! Oh my goodness, I am so afraid of the Big Bad Wolf! That is, until I realized I can conquer him! My brick wall has gone up!

Disclaimer: This will be a long post. Mostly for me to chronicle my past and present to my future. So, if you want the meat of the post, go down to the bottom and read THE PLAN. Otherwise, enjoy!

Last Monday, we had a fantastic speaker at our MOPS group. Lindsey came and talked to us about her program she leads in the Family Ministry Center (FMC) at our church. Wow! Can I just say it was phenomenal! Perfect timing and exactly what I needed to hear! Lindsey is a trainer and nutritionist. She has learned so much and is willing to spend time with others and share it with us. I am so grateful for her heart to share what she loves AND to do it in a loving manner.

If anyone knows me, they know that I could stand to lose "a few" pounds and get back to my happier, healthier stealth 137 lb body. Yes, it is going to take some time, but at least I am finally there.

So, who is the Big Bad Wolf? In this case, there are several wolves. 1) Food. Oh, sweet, delicious food! 2) Exercise 3) Time & Energy 4) Money.

1) Food: I love food. I love it when I am happy, I love it when I am sad, I love to rejoice with it and to help others by bringing it to them or celebrating something over food. I love food. I love to cook and I love to bake. Oh boy, have I been in trouble! Recently, I have learned quite a bit about myself and my relationship with food. Yep! I am an emotional eater. Did you ever have a clue? Anyway, I have known this, but recently, I have started replacing my emotional neediness on food, with journaling, doing a few jumping jacks or picking up a glass of water. Small changes, right?

It really all started in December, when 2 weeks before Christmas, The Hubster and I tore through the house and threw out most of our processed food, sugary snacks, salty snacks and anything that we would turn to for a snack or treat. It was hard at first. I started putting some mini-chocolate chips in my yogurt, just to give me that "taste" of sugar. Now? Not really craving it! We don't have it in the house and it is going to stay that way! I let myself cheat a little bit at the MOPS meeting though. I mean, really... who can resist all that yummy food???

2) Exercise: I love to exercise. Once I start doing it. I feel good, I'm happier, I feel better about myself and even my outlook on life in general. When I don't do it, of course I feel more sluggish and well just blah... The Hubster and I tried the Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred. We've done it before, but this go-around seemed incredibly difficult. I couldn't believe how out of shape I was. I mean, me. I used to play full games of soccer (with a few puffs of my inhaler), swim, run around everywhere. And here I was finishing, but not satisfactorily the short Level 1 exercises. And here I thought I could make it on the Biggest Loser. You know what I'm talking about, we all think we can do it better than they can! Since I am not on the show, I knew something had to change.

3) Time & Energy: The Hubster leaves for work by 7 and depending on the night, gets home at 5 or 7 or 8 that night. Doesn't leave a whole lot of time for me to hit the gym and since my kids are both fighting taking naps, I don't have that hour or two to myself to get a good video or workout in, so I just don't. And since I don't make the time to workout, I don't have any energy and get frustrated when I do try and fail. Horrible excuses, but that is exactly what they are. Excuses. No more!

4) Money: Fortunately, our FMC has a yearly fee of only $50. So, for the full use of the gym and even the huge play area for the kids, I can (if I find the time) get a great workout in, utilize the trainers and have a safe place for my kids to play. Unfortunately, there isn't childcare, so finding that proves to be difficult.

THE PLAN:
Finally! I am down to the plan! After many discussions and going back and forth with our budget, we have carved out some extra funds for me to join the amazing CrossFit classes that Lindsey facilitates. We also decided that I could join the 6am class on M/W and The Hubster would just go in to work a little later those days. Thanks Hubby!

This morning, I went to one of the workouts to see really what it was all about and boy was I in for a big surprise! First surprise? I was able to jog around the track 3 times with a partner, while talking and not needing my inhaler (I have exercise induced asthma, fun huh?). Then, we were shown a few things and started putting weights on and doing some lifts. I think I have done some weight-lifting classes in high school, but nothing real, since then. It felt so good to do it! One of the sets were to do sumo-lifts and really squat down. I HATE SQUATS!!! After learning a few more things, cooling down, stretching, etc. The class was over. Short and sweet! And then... I could barely make it down the stairs! Oh my were my quads and legs like jelly. The rest of the day was spent "running" after my kids and squealing with pain in most of the steps! Good pain though. Definitely a good pain. I did something with my body this morning and It. Felt. Good.

But what about the plan? Tonight I joined several other ladies I know for the Intro classes to Crossfit. We learned how to do some of the moves, which unfortunately for me included squats. Let me just tell you that getting up and sitting down are going to be difficult the next few days! We will have the Intros for M/W for the next two weeks. Learning about the exercises and how to do them correctly so when it comes time for the workout, we are all set and can jump right in, or in my case, hobble a little bit!

The Hubster and the kids also joined me afterwards for the the Nutrition Seminar. Loved it! Taught me more about different foods, what they do to or for our body and how to take care of ourselves.

So, at the end of the night, I stood in sheer horror as I took off my top layer and let little ol, fit and healthy Lindsey take a picture of me as the Before. The Never Again. The old me that has died and will be a part of my testimony. I am joining in on a Paleo challenge (eating the foods God has made, not man) for the next 6 weeks. Changing our diet and exercise routine, shedding the pounds, eating healthier, teaching the kids how to eat more healthy and feeling good about these decisions all along the way.

I have quite a long journey to get back to my high school 137 lb weight, but I know I can get there. No, I am not going to share with you the before pictures (I haven't even seen them), but I will tell you that this journey will be amazing and hard and everything I want it to be, as long as I put myself forward, get off my rear and change my life.

*Even if you don't want to join in this endeavor, please feel free to keep me accountable by asking if I've been Paleo that day or written in my food journal, written in my prayer journal, had a workout, etc. The best way to conquer something is with the people you love, with their support and our own courage and of course with God's gentle hand guiding the way. Won't you join me?