Put on the fuzzy socks...

Frigid. The only word I can use to describe today's current temperatures. According to our thermostat, the outside temperature is currently 9 degrees. That does not include the wind chill which is making it feel like -10 in full sunlight.

So...I thought since they cancelled school today, I'd put on my warm fuzzy socks and curl up under a blanket where I'd stay nice and toasty...this has been short lived.

G has come down with what I have been battling for the last few days. The poor baby is fighting a runny nose and a small cough. She's pretty miserable. To make things worse, the swing that she so dearly loves to nap in appears to have swung its last. I've tried many things but nothing. It made a few odd clicks this morning and then died. We can't complain. It was given to us and it has had a good run. I believe it went through at least two children prior to our daughter. We've decided that we'll just have to break down and invest in a new one at some point. We've been working on transitioning her to her crib for naps anyway...I guess the swing decided to give us the final push (no pun intended) towards this transition.

Even sick she is absolutely adorable!!!

 

We have no idea what she does in her sleep that causes such a fuzz head mess, but let me just say, my kid can rock a faux-hawk!

I took one of our quiet moments to read through one of the books G received for Christmas from our dear friends. I'm so glad I didn't read it while at their house. I got pretty teary. It is such a sweet story and drives home God's goodness and His blessing of a child into the lives of her parents...

::find it here::

 

 

I also love how there is a sequel to this story. It helps to prepare the first child for the arrival of another. I look forward to adding this to our collection for future use.

 

::find it here::

 

 

While it seems we've been battling one illness after another lately (maybe I should not clean the house and stop stirring up the germs haha) I do have some good news to report. Over the last two weeks I've lost 2 pounds! While the number is small, I'm encouraged (just imagine holding 2lbs of butter in your hands...that used to be on my body...eeek!) I've been focusing on my eating, primarily portion size and low sodium foods. In doing so, I've had some eye opening experiences.

 

It's easy to say "I'll wait until tomorrow, I've already messed up for today..." and it was that kind of thinking that kept me from moving forward. With the realization that I need to take control of my health, I had to stop at that moment of recognition. While I'm not in horrible shape, I'm far from being a healthier version of myself. Upon getting serious about my health, I began this devotional...

 

 

I ran across this during my reading: "One way that you can learn to defeat procrastination is by paying less attention to the sacrifices you're making today and more attention to the rewards you'll receive tomorrow." I keep reminding myself of this.

 

Another battle I've been facing is "clean-your-plate-syndrome". I was raised in a home where if it was on your plate, you ate it. If you took it, you ate it. No one around our table would ever be accused of wasting food. While I understand the good intentions behind this way of thinking, it has plagued my eating habits as an adult. To combat this embedded way of thinking, God provided this scripture: "For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God." Titus 2:11-12

 

If I am to live totally devoted to God, that means ALL of me. I can't let my soul be all that longs to please God. My body is a temple and it should be treated as such. By caring for my body and using self-control I can make positive changes in myself that will glorify God.

 

I'm already seeing benefits to implementing this scripture...I'm slowing losing weight (which will increase as I begin a consistent exercise routine) and my blood pressure has been good. I know that the medication is a key player in improving my BP at this time, but my hope is that I'll be able to get off of it sooner rather than later.

 

You never know the road God is going to take you down, but you can bet that you will never go down it alone. I have been asking Him to guide me in my food choices, portion control, and positive thinking. Not only am I reaping positive health benefits, but I am finally tapping into a spiritual arena that I have never really let God be a part of.



 

As I close this post for today, I ask that if you would, just lift our family's health to the Lord. Satan is shameless in attacking when we're not at our best. We pray for restoration of health and for encouragement along the journey to both physical and spiritual improvement.