Liking the Hard to Love

This week has brought about a roller coaster of emotions. Between looking back on "what would have been" and looking forward to "what could be", my heart and mind have been on overload. You add to that the fact that the crazies have come out of the wood work this week, I'm done. Praise the Lord it is the weekend.

With all of the criticism, bad attitudes and hurtful words that I've experienced this week, I've had to do a "check up from the neck up" as my Sunday School teacher would say. It would be so easy to fall into bitterness and bite back...but such does not please the heart of my God. Instead, I've had to step back and remember a few simple truths...

These people were put in my life for a reason. Whether I like it or not, God has ordained our connections. He knew I would encounter these people and he knew these times would come. Because of this, I've had to both hold back and move forward. The truth is, either they or I are meant to learn something from all of this.

 

 

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Words hurt. I do my best to remain truthful but tactful. Others do not. I'm always amazed at how hurtful and hateful some people can be. This week I've been floored by some of the words that have alluded to personal opinions of me. This has taken its toll on me. I abide by the "do unto others" and sometimes it is hard to treat others the way I know the Lord expects me to treat them. It's times like this that I am so grateful for those who truly know me, love me, and give encouragement when it's needed.

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I am called to love everyone...that doesn't mean I like them. While this may sound a bit contradictory, I stand by it. I am called to love everyone, and I do my best to love them where they are. God forgives me moment by moment and loves me in spite of my flaws. It is only right that I do the same. Does that mean He likes everything I do? No. This rings true in my own life. I've had to remind myself almost daily this week that I am meant to love these people, though they hurt or offend. That does not mean I have to like their actions, attitudes, or remarks.

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Cling to the good. My God is good. My husband is good. My daughter is good. There are so many wonderful things in my life that can be easily overshadowed if I don't keep myself in check. Thanks to mercy and grace, each morning I wake up is a new day to make big and small contributions towards the Kingdom. Despite the week it has been, I am reminded that my God is enough. He will sustain me through these tough times. I will count it all joy.

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Sworkit! My Next Step...and a Birthday Challenge

I've added a new resource to my workout bag...and it requires NO EQUIPMENT! I ran across this awesome app called Sworkit*. I currently utilize the free app and find it adequate at this point. Sworkit offers strength training, stretching, cardio and yoga exercises. You can use a pre-structured workout or you can customize your own. One of the best perks about this app is that it can link directly to my MyFitnessPal account and will sync any workouts I complete with a touch of the screen. It's super easy!!! I completed my first strength training circuit today and was surprised at how much I am already feeling it.

I've known that at some point I would need to begin adding in strength building exercises...and I decided today would be the day. I've also decided to set another challenge before myself. If you remember, I made a 30 before 30 bucket list a while back. I've been able to scratch several things off of that list, but one thing that will take time (and might I add that I'm half way there...) is losing 30lbs before I'm 30. Now in reality, this may have to be postponed if the Lord blesses us with another pregnancy (which I am WAY OKAY with!). However, until such time as we are blessed again, my goal is to lose those 30lbs...15 more to go! Sorry for the rabbit trail...the challenge I've set before myself is this...complete the At Home Crossfit Workout every other day. I have input the exercises into Sworkit and will be using it to help me complete this challenge. This challenge runs from today (March 9) to April 9 which will be my 29th birthday. I feel like it will take a bit more encouragement to complete this circuit training than it does to do my regular cardio...so this challenge plus my regular cardio, which is prepping me for my upcoming 5k, will hopefully result in some great change.

I'd love it if you'd join me. Check out the app and find motivation where you can. Here's to wishing everyone a safe and wonderful upcoming week!

*I was not compensated to promote any of the resources mentioned in this post.

Coffee and Concealer

As I looked in the mirror this morning I thought, "There is not enough coffee or concealer in the world to help me out today." G was up almost all night and only she knows why. No matter what we did, she was not pacified. This is totally out of character for her. As any mom knows, during those brief, quiet moments between wails over the baby monitor, you try to sleep but can't because you are already anticipating the next round. This is very different from sleep deprivation that we experienced during her infancy. I knew that I could at least try and nap a she napped during the day...it doesn't work like that once you return to work. While my students would probably get a kick out of seeing their teacher drool on her desk while lost in comatose slumber, I doubt the parents or administrative staff would find it as humorous.

Sitting here, with strong coffee in hand, I look upon the coming day. There will be meetings, conflict resolution, etc.. Of course I know I must give it my all today, but what do you do when your all seems less than satisfactory?

It's a good question that not just mothers, but most people, have been mucking through for centuries. While I can't speak for everyone, I know that from a Christian standpoint, both as a woman and mother, my help comes from the Lord.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2

It's mornings like this that I cling to His promises (that I too often take for granted). How wonderfully blessed am I that He watches over me and carries me through, without even asking! And yet, how much greater are my blessings when I do seek Him in the good and bad, the rejoicing and the trials. His love knows no bounds.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

2 Corinthians 12:9a

Raising children is an awesome opportunity for us as parents to invest in the future and impact the Kingdom. While the "hazards" of parenting can sometimes seem inconvenient, the truth is, next to accepting Christ in our own lives, teaching our children to love the Lord is, what I believe to be my highest calling. Everything else the Lord places in my life just sweetens it.