Monday, July 11, 2011

Boot Camp!

Tonight it felt so good to be back into boot camp with the ladies! Most of the regulars were there: Vicki, Brandy, Ashley, and Lindsey! We were definitely missing Deb as she recovers from surgery but we certainly enjoyed Mary's company! Tonight's workout used no additional weights and still was super intense for our first night back. I benefit so much mentally and emotionally from these workouts and the time I have with these ladies. Tonight when I came home to eat the hubs wanted "brinner" and I made it for him. But I didn't want to negate all of the hard work we put in. So I'm proud to say that instead of french toast with my eggs and turkey bacon (2 egg whites/1 egg) I had lettuce and a tsp of balsamic vinegar...and EVEN TURNED DOWN THE DESSERT! I shall savor this good decision and remember how good it feels to honestly say I made a good choice about food. This is what I desire to do, make healthy choices.

Not only do we work hard but we laugh, a lot! Hopefully as Deb heals we'll be able to start some more aquatic workouts that can be just as intense and beneficial as workouts on land. I am looking forward to enjoying the next series of workouts with them and doing some serious growth together and individually!

It's Monday!

I am so excited about today! Two classes are in the books (with B's I think) and only one left for six more weeks before my next break! Trent and I have the morning together to go for a run, play in the kiddie pool (best layout option, ever), play with play dough and not feel guilty about tending to school and work!

Our challenge from church was to finish reading Philippians 1 starting at verse 12. This section seemed super appropriate in reminding me that others experience way more challenging situations and life circumstances when living their life for God. Also starting at verse 27 I was encouraged to keep doing what I should no matter what is happening around me.
"Whatever happens conduct yourselves in a manner that is worthy of the Gospel of Christ (NIV)."

I am grateful for this beautiful day that presents with it a new day to practice living a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Today

Sometimes there is so much going on that it is hard for me to stop and just focus on the task at hand or what needs to be done today. I believe this has definitely been a part of the challenge for me in reaching my fitness goals. But I am so grateful that along the way I have learned that grace, consistency, persistence, and patience will sustain me as I go along. I think in the past I have seen patience and persistence as antonyms...I either was patiently doing little to nothing about the current goal or I was feverishly pushing forward toward the goal.

The last time we were in church Pastor Mike taught us that patience is about having, literally, a widened soul. What this meant was that we use the wisdom that we've gained through God's word and the Holy Spirit to enrich our understanding of the current situation so that we may be patient; so that we may have a widened soul.

As I attempt to work on school work this morning I am praying for a widened soul. The sell of our house has fallen through and after two months of working hard with a buyer, it's not going to happen. I am beginning an amazing new work opportunity where I get to use ALL of my giftings and talents, I am finishing up my last year of school, and I am relishing this time with our son Trent who is going to be three in August. Brett and I are also working hard to continue to grow in our love for each other by developing a "widened soul" in how we work, live and love with each other. I believe if he and I can make it through this time in our marriage, we will be so much stronger for it. And did I mention he just had back surgery unexpectedly two weeks ago? It has definitely been a crazy season and we don't have all of the "why's" answered. But I keep going back to Romans 5:2-5 for hope and encouragement. I know so many people go through much more difficult circumstances, and it isn't just a season for them. That fact alone is humbling and helps me stay focused on what's important: my relationship with God, with my husband, with my son and with friends and family.

I pray that on the other side of this season of life God will be glorified through all that is happening and that all will see how great is our God. I also pray that in the meantime God will provide for me a supernatural ability to focus on the things that are most important to Him and the things that will bring Him glory. I am grateful for God, for how He loves me, and that He loves me enough to teach me the lessons I will learn through this time.