divine providence

I went out on a limb and joined a Beth Moore bible study at church this fall. Despite being the only non-mom in the group I am loving it. Everyone said I would and they were right. We are studying the book of Esther and it has been amazing how the themes from that book are lining up with my life. One of the major themes in the book is divine providence . . . the most famous verse "Who knows but that you were put in this place for such a time as this?" It is making me question so much about my own life and God's divine providence for my future, which I'm still praying about everyday. I won't go into all of that now, but it's just been so cool to look back on life and see God's amazing timing in my life and to see him continue to put me in situations where I can apply His word that I'm studying at the moment. He is so good!

homecoming

Now that I live in Michigan it's a little harder for me to get home for various events. This weekend I had kept free because I was hoping my high school volleyball team would make it to the state finals. They did indeed make it to the final four and won their morning match and finished as State Runners-Up. I was so proud to witness the accomplishment!

Going home is always a little awkward, but I got to visit with some great people. I did, however, have to answer the "So are you dating anyone?" question a few times, though, which is always annoying. Most people are great about it and understand that it's just not the right time for me and that it's okay to enjoy single time while it's here. One person, though, made me feel like crap for not being married. Really? Not everyone finds their soulmate in high school, gets married and starts having babies right away. If that works for you, great, but don't make someone else feel bad for living a different life. Ugh, it just turned me off and put me in a sour mood. Luckily, as I was doing my bible study tonight I was reminded that God is watching over the ticking clock above me. He is in complete control. It'll happen when it happens. In the meantime I'm going to enjoy my current life circumstances and work on loving God and others with all I have and focusing on things above . . . something I'm finding hard to do as I work on my Christmas list.

here we go

About 2 months ago I made a commitment to get my health and fitness back on track after my "fat summer." I take this whole concept kind of seriously given my profession, but have also been trying to overcome some of my bad eating habits that I have dealt with most of my life. Basically I like food, but there are days and moments where it goes to the extreme and I can't stop eating.

Anywho, I had a great 3 weeks of working out and eating well. Then I got sick and tried to stay on track with working out, but all of my bad eating habits started rearing their ugly head. I did get to the point where I lost 5 pounds, but after our housewarming party last weekend gained 3 of them back. I doubt I'll get back on the scale this week after all the Halloween candy I ate this weekend.

These goals that I have set for myself are not about being skinny or beautiful because I know that I am beautiful. It's more about being healthy and fit and quicker and having control over my actions. I was empowered by a verse last week in my Beth Moore bible study on Esther. It's Deuteronomy 33:25 and is a prayer that God will make my gates as strong as iron and bronze and that my strength might last all of my days. I cannot fight this battle on my own . . . but with God's strength and power I just might be able to overcome these temptations that lie ahead of me. Halloween was already a disaster with Thanksgiving & Christmas right around the corner. Like I said I AM trying to lose some pounds, but not to be happier. I want to prove I can do it because I try to help others do it everyday. So Monday is a new start and I will follow the same guidelines I give to my clients . . . take it one meal, one day at a time. Here goes nothing . . .