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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Five on Friday: Odds and Ends

Five on Friday has arrived once again!

[one]

Spring is coming!!! Two days of 70 degree weather has me ready for flip flops and sunshine! I put together our Spring chalkboard sign which is already being displayed in the living room.

[two]

We are inching towards G's first birthday...we're only about a month away...(we're also less than a month away from the last birthday I'll celebrate in my 20's. It's hard to believe!)

[three]

I couldn't resist this little owl fabric. It's perfect as a little Spring skirt for G. I also had to pick up this Tinkerbell material...my mom is a huge fan.

[four]

We're trying to decide what to do with our bathroom. We did a renovation on it a couple years ago. Unfortunately, we didn't get the quality that we'd hoped for...I'll save that rant for a later time. We're at a point where everything we do to our home will hopefully make it more sellable in the semi-near future. With that being said, we're working on a plan to vamp up the bathroom...a new coat of paint, a new toilet, possibly new flooring...etc. Here are some ideas. I love the idea of a brown and yellow or a grey and yellow combo. I do have some khaki colored paint that I could paint the walls. I bought it for another room but opted for something else. Thoughts? You can check out some of our ideas here...

[five]

Birthday Challenge: I've decided to give this workout a go. Here is my goal...complete this routine 4x every other day until my birthday (I began this March 9 and will end it April 9). Here's to hoping I hang in there!

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.

With A Smile On My Face

I've been looking forward to this weekend for a while. Yesterday my hubby and I met with a lawyer to finalize our wills. We've been talking about doing this for quite a while and I am grateful to say that thanks to the Wills For Heroes Program, we now have official wills and a wonderful peace of mind. We also went to a consignment sale where I found many spring and summer items for G at half price...yay! Here are some of my favorites...

Afterwards we had a lunch date...just the two of us! It was nice to spend some quality time with my husband. While we adore and cherish every moment with our daughter, it was nice to have some true adult time. We took a stroll through the mall and then headed home.

Today brought just as much enjoyment. My friend Shannon and her little one came over for a much anticipated play date. The girls played while we caught up, laughed, and adored the tiny humans of whom we are blessed to call ours. The girls played so well and kept us giggling at how they interacted with and reacted to each other. We enjoyed homemade pizza, dancing, and music. Who doesn't love clapping if you're happy and you know it?!

She wanted "the baby" to sit in her lap.

My hubby has a training today and tomorrow. Fortunately he has his evenings free and will be returning home soon. G is asleep and the house is quiet. After so many wonderful things, I find myself (finally) at rest with a smile on my face.

Five on Friday

It's hard to believe that earlier in the week we were celebrating a day of Spring like weather, only to have a down pour of ice and then snow the following day. I've given up on the weather. I just wake up each morning and say, "surprise me!" One thing that is consistent is the weekly Five on Friday. I enjoy linking up with Darci and others to share five of whatever my heart fancies.

[one]

I love to cook and bake and I do both on a regular basis. I make a menu every month and cook dinner almost every night. I currently have to watch my sodium intake and I am constantly looking for ways to make our meals healthier. A while back I began substituting apple sauce for oil in many of my recipes (primarily baking) and honestly, you can't tell the difference! Another item that I've recently fallen for is yogurt. Sure, I've eaten yogurt all of my life, but I've never really cooked with it. I've substituted it for both milk and sour cream in various recipes. I've begun keeping both vanilla and plain on hand. This is one recipe we really enjoyed...Greek Marinated Chicken.

[two]

This past week I finally registered for the HoosHeal 5k. I'm a bit anxious. I haven't done a 5k since well before I became pregnant in 2012. However, I am really encouraged to have a goal in front of me. To make things even better, a dear friend has graciously decided to do the race with me. Come April we'll be hitting the pavement to help fund research for various childhood cancers.

[three]

I have been a member of SparkPeople for a few years now. I love the support and encouragement that I find there. I completed my February Fitness Minutes challenge and have since signed up for the Blooming Beauties Challenge. We weigh in several times between March 1st and Labor Day. We are also provided with multiple mini-challenges that are not directly weight loss related.

[four]

15lbs down! I've officially made it! With each mini weight loss goal I've designated a "reward". I ordered my reward this week and I cannot wait for it to arrive. It looks like this, with the exception that the jewel bead is crystal and the initial is "G".

[five]

Here is a little sneak peek of G's Easter dress. I picked it up while I was out this weekend. I can't wait to celebrate her first Easter! We have so many traditions we want to share with her!



A Taste of Spring

Despite the fact that the current temperature is below 30 and still dropping, we did get a nice taste of Spring weather yesterday. I took G outside after church to enjoy the beautiful 60 degree weather. She adores the outdoors and if it had not been for the rain, we would have remained outside for most of the afternoon.

 

 

Today will be a typical snow day. I'll catch up on some snuggle time and straighten up the house. I broke out our new donut maker and tried my hand at a new donut recipe. Hopefully I'll get to post about that later. They were quite tasty!

Only time will tell if we'll be home tomorrow. My husband was held over for mandatory overtime at the fire department. After getting his call this morning and learning about the road conditions, I'm glad he had to stay. They continue to respond to automobile accidents and considering we live almost an hour away from his work place, I am glad that I don't have to worry about him traveling home (I know he has to still respond to emergency calls, but fortunately he is not alone and is in a REALLY big truck). The layer of ice beneath the snow is reeking havoc, even on the main highways.

The ground hog was not kidding when he saw his shadow...

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Celebrating the First Day of March

I still can't believe that March is here! I'm beginning to get Spring fever. While the weather was far from Spring like yesterday, we ventured out to meet with friends and enjoy a girls' day. We began with a yummy brunch at Cracker Barrel. I'm a big fan of their French toast, and to top them off, I just have to add their apple topping. Delish! G was a big fan too.

Yum!

 

Taking "selfies"

 

Tiff loves getting some snuggle time!

My friend Terri, along with her daughter, accompanied us to the mall. Her daughter kept G entertained, which was so nice. I could actually browse! After a while, G passed out for her afternoon nap.

Then I was off to the grocery store. This is always a daunting task, even though it's only once a month, but it seems to be multiplied when I bring along the baby. She is always really good, but it tends to make the shopping a bit more chaotic. (FYI...the first day of the month is NOT the day to do your shopping. The stores are packed! Lesson learned.)

We managed to leave unscathed and headed home. I unloaded all of the groceries and eagerly awaited my husbands return. He has a training this weekend, so even though he's technically off from work, he's doing a ropes training in the city. I'm so proud of his dedication, even if that means I have to miss him.

While he's gone today, I'm considering taking G on a picnic after church. The weather is going to be gorgeous and I feel it would be a shame to waste it...especially since they are forecasting snow tonight through tomorrow!!! As much as I love winter, these Spring days are such a tease.

 

It is my hope that we will all find many things to rejoice about today and may God be glorified through our thanks.