Good riddance 2012.....

It's hard to believe this year has come and gone, and has ended like it's ended. I used to have so much; it's amazing the amount of things you can lose in such a short amount of time.

I've realized I wasted all of my life last year on something that would clearly never change...This kills me daily. This year I plan to change that which I know can be changed, and no longer try to fix things that oviously cannot be fixed. I will try to trust God with whatever it is that he has for me in this life, even if it isn't what I want, even though I haven't a clue what that is, or what it is He is trying to show me. I know this will not be easy, and as much as I want it, I know it will not happen overnight. I expect there to still be times of struggle and frustration ahead, but I will try to no long focus upon that. In order to heal, this must be done. I only pray that some good will come from this year, and am hoping for new beginnings in many areas of my life. Praying that God will again grant me what he once granted me a few short years ago... Life and happiness, in whatever form he chooses for that to be.

When you can't get what you want.... Make your own adventure, even if it has to be alone.



old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

A note to me: Remember who you are.
 and What do I stand for---- Most nights I don’t know…. anymoooooore  or do I???

 

I was once told somewhere along the line that basically I "grew up" in the "wrong" way not learning about "real life" in a "real way"... Or something like that. At least this is how I perceived it. This
made me think that everything I had learned and been taught was wrong, and that because I was/ am very different than this person that I was not brought up "correctly." Yes it is true, I do not agree
with a lot of my upbringing, I do not think the same as my parents in many aspects. I did however
listen to them and "try" and respect what they taught me, and what they thought the Bible had to say about many a things in life... I do, or did agree, with much of what the Bible has taught, or so
called taught us... Lately however I have been questioning much. I have read books that point out certain areas in my life and viewpoints that may or may not be the best to follow. This person
basically made me question who I really am, and made me feel as though all my opinions were wrong and WHO I am is wrong and that I shouldn't be so harsh and upfront about things. I get it now, everyone is different and everyone will have a different viewpoint on everything. It doesn't really matter apparently if I am right, or they are right, or visa versa... In the end I guess God is truly the only one who really knows what is right and wrong... and apparently that is what "Free will"
is all about. Free will, the biggest mistake ever I think... and Hey, I am just being completely honest
here. I am tired of hiding my thoughts and opinions, and frankly I am tired of people
telling me that I don't know what I  believe in, or what I believe in is wrong, or the fact that I even have an opinion that may differ from theirs is wrong. Very rarely will you
find me throwing my opinions on anyone and rarely will you find me judging a person..
I do, and have on occasion done this a time or two, and yes at times I have gone to far, but I am human, so what... We all make mistakes, whether big, or small. All this to say,
I DO... for the most part know who I am... or at least I used to know. I question almost everything now, and at times wonder what the point in any of it is anyways. Life is
about doing your own thing and getting what you want isn't it, even if a said "line" has to
be crossed to get there. Whatever makes you happy....   This is usually called sin, of some sort I would imagine. So this is me, this is ALL of ME This is for me and by me.. this is WHO I am, or at least who I was. Pardon my french if any is to come out, but again I am being REAL here and am not wishing to hide one single thing.

 This last year has taught me so much, or really it has just made me realize what I am about. With certain issues that have formed in my life, this election year, and me

not really knowing what I want to do in life I decided to write out my thoughts and opinions on anything and everything, holding nothing back. Where to start.....
Politics- I truly hate politics, it is nothing but a bunch of bad mouthing happening toward one party to another. They all lie whether a R or a D, I most guarantee that.
Some say it is my "right" or "duty" to vote. I say "what's the point?" The world is literally going to hell in a hand basket, and I believe in Revelation, it basically talks about
how the world will keep going into a downhill spiral until Jesus returns.
Granted I do agree that on some issues I probably should have a say in them, otherwise maybe it would seem that I "agree" with them if I do not vote one way or another. I am
not entirely sure my vote counts since I am only one person, but I guess if everyone did that then it would make a difference. Also, living in Seattle there have been many laws that have changed and that were pretty much bound to happen.. even if I vote a resounding no on it. Washington is as liberal as they come, and so are the people.
What makes me sad and angry is when people of the faith vote for and are ok with certain
issues.. issues that without a doubt are wrong. Read the Bible, anyone can see that certain
issues are right or wrong. Even a kindergartner can figure it out, unless your Bible is not
the same Bible I am reading. Granted, some things are not 100% clear, and I get that, but to be ok with the things that are, just for the sake of living your life and doing what you feel to be right... not the best idea.  But like they say "Whatever floats your boat"....
Who am I to judge you on what you do or think. Just know, that if you ask me anything, and I do mean anything, I WILL tell you my opinion whether you like the answer or
not. You ask, I am telling... do not judge me for thinking so strongly on these opinions. Abortion, gay marriage, Drugs, gun control, etc etc... I'll tell you what I think, but
now, only if you ask me... which I doubt will happen, because it seems no one talks about REAL issues anymore, no one cares to tell anyone what they think, for fear of hurting
someones feelings... I am all for being honest 100% honest, and I will tell you what
I think, if it hurts you then that is not my problem. I say what I believe and I have reasons to back it. Veering away from the politics of it all.. apparently Marijuana is legal now...
maybe I'll try that out.. because according to some it's "no big deal"... And if the law says it's ok, well then it must be ok with God then also right.... Hit me up bro I need to light one up tonight. Maybe this joint will take all my heartache of this past year away---- for about 5 seconds!...


Friendships-- I value them deeply, probably more than I should. Sometimes I wonder if people realize how much I get from their friendships... I'm a "quality time" person. I have a heart for people, and I'll be honest, I have more a heart for those of the faith than I do for those not of the faith. I strive to see those people make good choices for their lives, and it is sad when they do not. Sometimes I let that
get the best of me and in turn wish I didn't care so much. But it's who I am and who God made me;
what else can I do?!?

Ealier I mentioned not agreeing with everything I grew up with, and it's true. I am fairly certain my parents probably had the best of intentions, but clearly I wonder if they just continue to pass on what
their parents told them, which their parents told from them.. and so on.. Who knows what really
is right or wrong anymore...(sorry parents-- but again I am being honest)  I've been reading
a book about growing up in a Christain home, and although the author of the book was brought up in an extremely legelistic home, a lot of the book still resonated with me. Who says I can't listen to "rock" music... yes you are right, this song is NO hymn, but I like it, and it still has plently of meaning where that came from. The WORDS in my opinion are what matters. It's funny how a "softer" song can sound so apealing until you listen to the words and realize it's all about drugs,
sex and alcohol. I'm sorry, but if my Jars of Clay, or Switchfoot "Dare you to move" then so be
it... Dance away!! Oh dancing... another story in itself, and yet again another thing I was not allowed to do that was "worldy"---- along with movies, but only when at the theater(or at least for a while this
was true) Drinking, now drinking is another story-- The bible must, SOMEWHERE say very. clearly.
that this is wrong... EHHHh wrong again, I am pretty certain it says " do not get drunk on wine"
Hey, when in Rome, do as Romans do... even my pastor said that. It's all about HOW you do it I think. So it's a glorified fruit drink, will I go to hell for drinking it? I don't believe so, because
the Bible doesn't make that clear like it does with lieing, murder, hating people etc etc... Hmm reminding me; The Bible, why is it so confusing? I can honestly see why some people don't know
how to take it. It can be so incredibly clear at times, that you wonder how on earth anyone can
get it wrong, but then at other times it can be so incredibly confusing makeing you wonder what
on earth is trying to be pushed or said. I will never understand why some issues are addressed so plainly, while others are seemingly left up to us to decide. No wonder we make such poor decisions as human beings. There is a lot now that I have been questioning and wondering about myself.
Things that make me go AHHHH. Like... lets say relationships for example. Nope, the Bible no where specifically says "thou shalt not" sleep over at you significant others house, TRUE but it does talk about how it is NOT a smart idea and will more than likely TEMPT... maybe not you... but maybe the OTHER person... Think about that one for a minute. Either way, you put yourself in that
situation, you are just asking for it. I don't care how strong you are... or maybe you'll just be lucky and it will turn out fine; unless you break up first; that will be a serious heartrencher to you then won't it. All alone again, what a shame....  Who knows, maybe I am wrong here and maybe I ought to
just "try this out".... see what the big F-ing deal is. Maybe I wouldn't be so lonely anymore in my life.... maybe I'll just go find some random "nice guy" and see what happens, who cares if he's not a christian, as long as we relate and he treats me well... morals, who cares about morals. The future, who cares about the future, it doesn't matter if they have different standards than you... apparently it
will all be fine you say. But again that's your choice. Now I wonder if this should be my thinking as well, but then I think... I REFUSE to just do something becuase it will make me "feel good"
There is more to your life than feeling good... be real. Make good judgements.
Otherwise, good luck with your life. I know what I want, but the question is; do you???? I'm not going to be the one to just try out something to find out where it leads to. I will not open up
an oportunity to fall into something worse. All that to say, I will do what I want, and stick with what I believe, I will not let others influence my life--- they have tried this long enough. Don't waste your
time trying to get me to change my mind on any of this, because it WON'T happen. Learn to agree to disagree and don't force your opinion on me,if you don't, then I won't either.------This also reminds me-- I will never tell my children what to do, but will just tell them what I think is right or wrong to the best of my judgement. I will tell them what the Bible says, I will tell them where it does and does not make things clear, I will tell them that the ultimate choice is up to them and that they must research and find which path/ideas they choose to take/ agree on. I will allow them to choose their own way, even if they choose the wrong path at least they will not be angry at me for trying to force something upon them that isn’t even a for sure idea. This is one thing I've come to realize that frustrates from my past. So many others think differently than I and I wonder sometimes if I had been brought up different what I would be like today, and where'd I'd still be with certain people and situations.

 Anyways, I have much more I could say about who I am, there is always more to say, but for now, this. is. me.   and this is for me ----> A reminder to myself Read this when you think you have forgotten who you are or people try and get you to change. You ARE who God made you, not who
your parents think you should be, not who your friends think you should be and certainly not who the world thinks you should be.

I will wait.....

Cold breath exits my lungs, drifting out into the brisk mountain air. I feel as though I could scream so loudly, that this mountain would tremble. At 10,000 feet above sea level I look out into the vast that is nothing, but pure beauty. The sun shines down upon the high peaks, glistening off the snow that blankets this mountain. I close my eyes but for a moment, and although you may think it crazy, I imagine this landscape burning to the ground, burning to the ground and catching fire to everything around it. DISASTER, disaster to this something beautiful...Where did the beauty of only moments before go?

 

I take a moment and reflect back on my life and think... How can something once so beautiful come to an end? Why do good things have to end? Why does a God, who made this beautiful world, give, if only just to take away? What is it's purpose?

 

My mind then flashes quickly back, only to find a new life that has emerged from the once charred ground. "Spring" has come.  Of course this new creation doesn't happen over night. This ground first, must be nurtured, and allow a healing in it's own time.

 

Maybe this is it's purpose?....To wait, and to grow, to "grow" in the waiting, soon to have a new life more abundant than ever before.

 

And I think, "Can this really ever be?"

 

 

 

For this new life I wait.

 

 

So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.  1 Corinthians 3:7

 

Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.   Romans 12:12

 

Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!

Psalm 27:14

 



To give thanks, or not to give thanks... This is my honest question.

A lot of honesty coming at you here. People have told me they missed my blogs, but this is the closest I can come at the moment...maybe this is more like a journal, but who knows.

Roughly one year ago I made one of the biggest mistakes of my life. I did not realize this at the time, but now I wish I had, more than anything. This last year has been the hardest
year of my life, not just for this one reason, but for many really. I've been tried, tested,
and have failed time and time again. Like anything, once you start, it is hard to stop... Good or bad, but mostly bad. I believe Satan uses that and through that we make excuses
as to why this is ok. Overtime, unless convicted by God we begin to fall into that, and make it our "normal," convincing ourselves it is ok; all the while hurting ourselves, hurting
God, and hurting others.

Turning back the clock always makes me wish I could turn back time. But then I have to
remember that everything happens for a reason, and that everything is from God. I know
I can never take back this past year, although it is something I wish for every single day, and will probably continue to think about for a long time to come. While there are so
many things that I feel I have the "right to be ungrateful for," I also must keep reminding
myself of how much I do have to be thankful for. I struggle with that "being grateful for" part(One reason I started this blog in the first place) It is amazing when you lose
something of such importance, how much you realize you took that thing for granted, and
how much one thing can turn your whole world upside down and cause you to be
ungrateful in so many other areas of life. You start to complain, and then think, and then complain some more.. then think some more, and more, and more, continuing into
that downhill spiral of being an untrusting, unloving ungrateful person, turning to things like anger, frustration, self-centeredness, bitterness, and resentment, making one confused,
miserable, sad, lonely etc etc..., Then when you can't stand it anymore
you try to "change" and you can't. I have tried now for quite a long time to "change."
I have even gone to God for this change(The place we should go)...over and over
again, but apparently that isn't what he wanted, or at least not when I wanted it.
No, it had to go even further into the depths before I could finally realize my mistakes
and choices, all of them, whether big or little, right or wrong,  good or bad.. I used to be
a happy person, the happiest I had ever been really. I still had quite a few "complaints" but I sure didn't let them get the best of me. Now, I am probably the most ungrateful person
I know. Not counting my current health issues... I have a decent job, a place to live, food on my plate, a good amount of friends, family that loves me, a nice car, the ability to walk, talk, hear, see...I have a lot. Why can't I remember those things in my time of frustration. I do not know. Maybe, to be honest, it is because I really didn't asked for a single thing from that
list... I believe it was all given to me in God's timing and out of Gods love for me. I don't ask for much from God, at least not that I can think of. He has always blessed me, even before I know what I want, and before I have a clue of what I may need in the future. All in all, now that things have turned out so sour and others areas of life are questioned/ doubts arise... and I had finally asked God for a few things, they get ruined, completely and
utterly ruined, probably beyond repair. Where did my faith go, where did my trust in God go? Constant reminders of things said and done cannot be forgotten... While others are
left in their "happiness", I am left in my folly.

Deep down, I still am that same loving, caring, kind, and compassionate person; I've just seemed to misplace them...
In this time of "thanksgiving" I have found it hard to be thankful, but I must remember the small things which we take for granted on a daily basis. It is in those things we will find our utmost satisfaction.

sincerely,
the trying one


1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 4:15-16
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

START with the END in mind.

No matter how far you fall.... you are always STILL welcome.


Just thankful today for beautiful weather, beautiful flowers, feet to walk, good teachings, and you! :)

I know, another sermon, but hey maybe someone will take the time to listen and get something from it, you never know!

http://thecity.org/message/when_love_leads

Thoughts to ponder:

Is the way you are living sustainable? Are we living that type of life that will lead us to the end we have in mind? Is the life you are living right now LEADING you CLOSER to the cross? Is the way we live each day, what we think, how we talk, and how we act LEADING us to the end we desire? The end God desires......

Waiting takes patience :)

I have been constantly reminded in the past few weeks that our Strength will rise as we WAIT upon the Lord...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdVpXFanxHg




I love sitting in nature as I watch the water rush on by. A good reminder of life really. Things come and go in life, and we must take them as they come. Those things in life that come our way, whether good or bad are meant for us to grow, grow into a new person in Christ Jesus. We are not to let it just hit us and then run off rejecting the one who has put that in our path, but reach closer, come closer to Him, The one who is ultimately in charge of our lives, or the one who should be in charge of our lives.


I am thankful and grateful for all the new and exciting possibilities that continue to come my way in life and also grateful for those that have been around awhile that continue to help me grow and seek out Christ more each day.

Also wanted to share a little poem from my friend Tyler, I think he writes well, and you should tell him! lol Hope it speaks to you as it did me. :)

“Our sufficiency is from God” 2 Corinthians 3:5

When we turn away from God

Everyone suffers

In selfishness, Weakness, Unfaithfulness

Everyone suffers

Spending time on what does not satisfy

What does not physically strengthen

What does not spiritually rejuvenate

When we are in darkness

Remain quiet

When our minds are racing with questions

Remain quiet

Wasting time seeking answers

Speaking in wrong mood

Acting in foolishness

Remain quiet

Bring our first step

our millionth step

Arise and obey in the inspiration of God

With delight and humility

Our sufficiency is from God!

OH, and no link as of yet... but when it's poted you should check out Richard's sermon from yesterday! It was great :)

http://churchbcc.org/

May God open our eyes to the persistence of HIS presence.

For those of you that may have missed Easter Sunday.... Haha and for those that didn't. Random I know, but I stumbled upon this sermon today and found it a wonderful reminder, one we need to remember daily.... Of the all loving, all forgiving, all powerful, ever lasting Jesus Christ.

It's 40 minutes but great, I say you check it out!

http://www.elevationchurch.org/sermons/sevenmilemiracle/part1/audio


Also I am attaching because I love this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvMuK-7qin0


No love is higher
No love is wider
No love is deeper
No love is truer



And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.

Weekend Getaways

I've realized just how much weekend gataways are needed. Whether alone or with a friend, it is good to get away from it all. I have felt stressed, overwhelmed, and so busy that I take no time for myself lately... leaving me.... stressed, overwhelmed and feeling I could have a break down at any moment. I keep telling myself to say no to things, but then find myself saying "Oh I can do this one thing, it won't be so bad." In the end when I end up doing that EVERY DAY I realize I had no "me time" let alone "God time." This IS something I really really need to work on but have no idea where to begin or how to do it. I've made quite a few commitments now in my week, and am not sure how to change it, or which are important and should not be gotten rid of. They are all equally needed in their own way in my book... Either way, I'll have to figure that out, but today I wanted to take the time and blog about my thankfulness for quick getaways, relaxation, not worrying about time whatsoever, and SUN! I have, already since returning, started to feel down and "stressed" out about the weeks and months to come. As we drove across I90 into the cloud that was  looming over Seattle this evening, leaving the sun behind, I couldn't help but feel my own cloud of worry about my upcoming week and all the "busyness" it will bring. I don't really like this feeling; If only I could keep all my cares, worries, and complaints on the other side of the water. Learning how to do this, and just live life while being thankful for ALL things is my current struggle.


Here's a quick picture story of my good weekend of fun filled, do what you want, when you want activites.

Off to Eastern Washington we go, where the deserts dry and the sun is HOT!

Potholes State Park: Funny name, but a beautiful place.

                      Can't go wrong with 3 meals within 5 hours, the deals where just too good to pass!

Not only were we able to go to a free Bluegrass concert but we also were able to see the real show of the storm that just missed us.... by only a few blocks. The tail end barely hit us where we were. I LOVE storms!

Other things of the weekend that I am thankful for:

Pretty night drives over the water(picture does not really capture this moment)

The hot sun(may or may not have been this hot)

                                                 Water park(aka glorified pool)

Wildlife refuge(Super pretty...along with the biggest tatpoles I've ever seen)

And lastly.... Must.Have.Yogurt.

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Would you dare?

Words spoken directly to me this morning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MniOtRnCO9I&feature=youtube_gdata_player

I haven't blogged in awhile; I am learning to be thankful...

Would you dare would you dare to believe, that you still have a reason to sing.

It's just the dark, before the morning.

Enjoy this day.

Sleepy!

The last three days I have slacked on my blogging, but have been very thankful for these three things! I have decided to combine them into one. This week I have had some nasty allergy's, or maybe it possibly was a cold, I am not sure. Either way not being able to breath, or talk was a problem. I realized I'd been taking the same allergy meds for about 6 months and so decided that maybe I had become immune to them. Other than my nasty allergy's this week I have also been having troubles sleeping again. I lie awake wondering why most of the time, but thankfully it is not nearly as bad as it used to be. Thank God I have come across the wonderful invention of the ear plug! ;)  With all the "noises" that go on in and around my house, as well as the outside noises of the busy street I am so grateful for these little things. They make life so much more tolerable. If only all the problems in my life and the world could be solved by something so tiny.


So a bit random of a thankful heart, however I think we need to remember all the small things in life as well, not just the big.




"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:8)

Happy Happy Joy Joy Blog Blog blog blog....

Have I ever mentioned how I believe kids are the greatest! They can turn a grey day brighter in an instant.


I love coming to the door and hearing the little pitter-patter of feet running to meet me saying Becca, Becca, Beeeecca. :) It makes me happy. Tonight I had the joy of watching two little kiddos again, as I have been watching them fairly often lately. They are nothing but joy. Today's thankfulness lies with children, laughter, dancing and PIZZA. What could be better?! I am thankful to be able to help out a family, boost my spirits, all while making some extra cash(going to have to go towards that gas fund ;) ) 


I've included a smattering of pictures from past and present. I had hoped to attach a fun video clip of the "Foster the people" singing and dancing, as well as the silly noises and faces I taught them... but I sadly couldn't get that too work!   Hopefully it's ok I am putting their pics online :)

 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.  But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.  
Matthew 18: 3-6

Peacful Evenings

I was able to take the time tonight and walk the beautiful lake that is Greenlake. I love that I can live so close to this lake and drive by it every single day. I could walk it a million times and never grow tired. No matter how busy, or crowded the lake is, it is almost always a relaxing, and enjoyable experience. It's a great place to have good conversation with God, myself, or others. The sound of the random "band" that plays as you walk by, children screaming on the playground, or the joy of just sitting on a dock staring out into the silence is like no other. I am reminded every time I go of God's beauty he created, beauty in everything he has made, person, place, and thing. Today I am thankful for His creations, big and small.

God of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are Holy, Holy
The universe declares your Majesty
And you are holy holy
Lord of Heaven and Earth
Lord of Heaven and Earth

Psalm 104:1-6 Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty, wrapped in light as with a garment. You stretch out the heavens like a tent, you set the beams of your chambers on the waters, you make the clouds your chariot, you ride on the wings of the wind, you make the winds your messengers, fire and flame your ministers. You set the earth on its foundations, so that it shall never be shaken. You cover it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains.

My hope is in you,
Show me your ways,
Guide me in Truth,
In all my days,
My hope is in you.


Although I do not always feel hope, today I can say I am thankful for it. I have hope for my future, and all things to come, no matter what the outcome. We have so much to be thankful for and hopeful for in this life. Even if things do not turn out as planned, or turn out the way we think they should, we must know we can still have hope in the Lord, hope that he is in control and that he knows what is best for us.



"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him."
Jeremiah 17:7

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

" But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose
hope is in his unfailing love,"
Psalm 33:18

http://youtu.be/-RRZgr7wNDs

Everybody gets hungry

Today I am reminded of how much I love food. To be honest, lately I really have not been hungry.... ever, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to eat tasty foods, and having some seriously bad for me cravings. The past two days driving home from work and gym I have discovered the new, giant, shiny red billboards that are trying to call out my name.  Big Mac, Fries, McDonald's..... So gross, and so bad for you, yet the pictures are so enticing. It is good they do not smell as well! I have not had fast food in about 8 months or so. Hopefully I won't start now and give in to the craving. I enjoy cooking quite a bit, although lately have been a bit too "lazy" for that. I am very grateful for the opportunity that we have living here in America and for the most part are able to eat to our hearts content, and eat really whatever it is we may be dying for at the moment. There are so many options it is crazy! Too many options maybe. It is hard to believe that we can be here in this country "fat and sassy" while those in other countries barely have food to survive. Hopefully we will not take for granted that which is so easy for us to access. I begin by thanking God for the food he has allowed me to have each and every day, whether I am hungry or not.

"And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food."
Genesis 1:29 ESV


Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" 
Matthew 4:4 NIV

I work out.....

That aweful song comes to mind when I say that..." I work out"  haha


Well today I DID actually work out, and for the first time in over two months. I'm sad to admit that really. BUT, I am thankful that I was finally able to have the motivation to get to the gym. That lack of motivation, a distracted mind, as well as no time has been keeping me from my "used to be" weekly routine. Here's hoping that maybe I can get back to that on a weekly basis as it is good for mind, body, and soul!!


That's all I have for today... just a quick little discription of what I am thankful for. :)

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like an eagle; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. -- Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV

Amoré

Today I am feeling the LOVE, and that is what I am thankful for. The love of friends, family, and an Amazing God. Love, as when a child gets a puppy for Christmas, the first time you see your child after it has been born into this world, or the love you feel towards that one that you have been waiting for your whole life. Today I am reminded mostly of God's love and what He has done for us, past, present, and future. His love is why we are here.

neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

De Agua

Today I am thankful for water. Water is another resource that I think we take for granted. It is everywhere, all around us, and comes in many forms. It waters our earth, helping grow our crops. It keeps us hydrated. We use it to bathe, wash clothes, do dishes, and brush our teeth. Without water we would not have snow, or waterfalls. These are just a few uses of our water supply, and today I am reminded of those without.


Here is a website or two about the need for water in other countries, and how you can help.


http://www.spillinghope.org/


http://water.cc/

  ^But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.  John 4:14