Hi blog friends. It's been a while. I've had hundreds of little moments when I experience something great, something memorable, and I want to run to the nearest computer to type it out so I'll remember that place in time and what happened. But I didn't. And that's life. You can't capture it on these pages because it happens without your notice or your permission. And it's beautiful and devastating, sometimes all at once.
The most recent memorable happening was going to Europe for two weeks with DR. While there, DR kept an electronic journal of our trip. Our daily adventure mapped out step by step with name of places and people we saw and what the weather was like.
My experience of Europe is in my nostrils and taste buds , and in my eyeballs and on the edge of my fingertips and at certain times like a grip on my heart. The tastes, smells, sounds, and sights are what I remember and what I daily documented in my mind. In London, the dominant sense was sight. Everywhere you look- fantasticness. The Buckingham palace was larger and way closer to the public street than I imagined. The British guards were every bit as still and stoic as I thought they'd be. Wherever we went, the tip of Big Ben (which to the British is the Elizabeth Tower) never escaped my sight. It was my reference point (if ever I had one- DR would say I never did) of where we were. The hustle and bustle of the Covent gardens and Westminster area was exciting and Times Square-esque. And then the quiet and quaintness of Notting Hill and Bayswater was a refreshing escape for dinner on our last night. I never did order a London Fog although I knew what it was and that made me feel a little bit British. The pace of the Tube- London's metro system is intense. If you don't know where you're headed you betta step aside. Enter American tourists with Canon around neck and open map with deer in head lights look on face. Ok, ok that was usually just me. DR did a fantastic job of navigating when we weren't with our guided tour. I chuckled inside every time I heard "Mind the Gap" (the space between the metro edge and the tube) Oh, and our guide always said "Time to Toodle" when it was time to move on to a new location. Loved it.
Paris was a feast for the senses in every way. The steely Eiffel Tower, the clean white Arc de Triomphe, the wafting of sweet and savory crepes being sold along the street, the buttery croissants and homemade jam, the glimmering champs de élysées shopping street which every designer known to man, the seemingly "care-free-ness" of the people. Everything about Paris feels magical. On the first night we had creme brûlée- so good. We took a bike ride on our second day and it was such a fun way to see Paris. I loved moving at our own pace, wizzing through the streets and stopping to take pictures of gardens and monuments, getting a Nutella crepe, and putting a lock on the Pont des Arts or Pont de l'Archevêché bridge. (Can't remember which one it was) Read here about the lock. Aaah Paris, I love you. I hope to see you again in 4 years perhaps for our 10 yr anniversary or for our 20th. Either way, Lord willing, we will meet again. You bring the champagne and sweets, I'll bring the $$.
Switzerland was hands down the most beautiful place I'd ever seen. Neat and clean and shiny. I thought seriously about waking up at 5 and going for a run along Lake Lucerne but then I rethunk it when we stayed up until 12:30 wandering the streets just talking and admiring the gorgeous place we were in. We bought some Swiss
chocolate but honestly it tasted just like the toblerone that we have here in the states.
Italy was last. Venice, Florence and Rome. Here's my ranking in order of fav to least fav:
Rome
Florence
Venice
We were really surprised that we didn't enjoy Venice as much as we thought we would. Maybe we built it up too in our minds. The gondola ride was fun. We drank some Rosé and were serenaded by a little elderly Italian man as we rode through the narrow canal passageways. The floating city just wasn't my fav. It felt dirty and cramped and touristy. The most memorable part of Venice was sitting outside our hotel drinking wine with a couple we met from San Antonio. They were on the guided tour as well. We talked about kids and church worship and the military and Jesus and inlaws.
Florence was nice. A little more spread out. A little cleaner. We had our favorite gelato here from a place called Vivaldi's. mocha, chocolate ganache, coconut.
We ended our trip in the capital city of Rome. We finally had a good fresh thin crust pizza pie. We took a took tour of the city and it was a great way to see in the city in a non-touristy way. We saw the Coloseum, the Pantheon, Vatican City, St. Peter's bascillica, the Spanish steps, the Trevino fountain the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo's frescos including the Last Judgment. Such a powerful work of art. We had some great Italian dinners our last night being extra special. We went off on our own and had an authentic 5 course meal. Complete with antipasto , pasta, meat, dessert and in its own course, wine. The sweets were my favorite part. Tiramisu anyone? We ended our last night wandering around the streets and sat on the Spanish steps for a while. That night, we didn't feel like tourists. We felt like we were out on a date, especially the beautiful city with all the locals. I'll always remember that last night with DR.
What a fantastic trip. Cherished memories with my husband. I'm so thankful we were able to go.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Lately
Many exciting things going on in my life.
We booked our Europe trip that we have been dreaming of! June 11-22 we will be roaming the streets of Rome, Venice, Florence, London, Lucerne (Switzerland) & Paris. Excited is the understatement of the century! It makes it extra sweet because I haven't seen my beloved husband in 5 and 1/2 months.
But before that....
D.R. informed me that I can come to Hattiesburg, MS on May 10 and spend the weekend with him! He has to demobilize for 2ish weeks but they are allowing families to visit on Mother's Day weekend. So off to Hattiesburg I go. My first time staying in Mississippi. I should probably drink a mudslide while I'm there.
I'm like a 17 year old going on a first date- nervous. What should I wear to drive over to Hattiesburg? A dress? Something sporty and comfy (which is what I would usually travel in) Give me your advice! It's weird to think I haven't had a date with my husband since December 6th. Ugh, waaaayyyy too long ago. So ready to get my hands on him.
Bert & Becky (my inlaws) have graciously treated us to a weekend at the beach (Orange Beach, AL to be exact) for Memorial Day weekend. And while there, D.R. has treated me with Lady Antebellum/ Jana Kramer tickets at The Wharf. What fun!!! cowboy boots and a jeans skirt is going in that suitcase. :) I love the beach. I grew up there and was that kid that loved to play in the sand and bake in the sun for hours- fond memories of eating sandwiches and watermelons, looking for seashells, riding waves on my purple boogie board and burying my sister in the sand. The ocean is my happy place. I am beyond blessed to be able to go back to my hometown and literally walk .9 miles to the Atlantic. The Gulf will suffice but there is nothing like the clear, serene water and familiar, non-touristy beaches of the Atlantic coast in West Palm.
More recent...very recent, exciting news, I'M AN AUNT!
My sister gave birth to her first child, a son. (...and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes...haha)
Jaxson Richard Wesley Wragg was born at 12:22p.m. April 15, 2013. Weighing 6lbs 13oz. Healthy, pink, precious baby boy.
Pure Joy
Family of three :)
It's killing me not to be down in FL holding him, making Kirstie meals and loving on her. I will see them in June at a wedding in Nashville.
I started attending a new women's Bible study on Sunday. We are studying Titus. It's so great to be back in a women's study- and it's inductive!!! Such a rich, deep way to study God's word. I can feel my heart already being softened to His word. He is truly satisfying when we spend time with Him.
For those of you who have read previous blog posts, I am making strides with the excessive exercise habits. I've asked the Lord to remove the strong, compulsive desires to exercise hard in order to burn a sufficient amount of calories. I now exercise to get a good sweat and don't monitor oxygen consumed and energy consumed. That was a vicious treadmill that never satisfies. I've been wanting to take my scale to the dumpster for about a week now. I haven't brought myself to do it yet. Still weighing in pretty much daily. My action plan and I'm sure God's application to His word will confirm, that I need to do away with it. It's holding me in bondage to worldly things. Why is the world so dang enticing? Happiness is NOT found when you're rail thin. In fact, I think I look old when I get too skinny. Anyways...God's still working on me, but I feel Him working. Praise to the Lamb!
I'm meeting my mother in law in Atlanta this Saturday. We are going to take a Pure Barre class, have lunch, go to a movie & or shop and...of course... stop by Trader Joe's to stock up on the cheap treasures that Columbus, GA does not offer. (Organic virgin coconut oil? dark chocolate pomegranate arils? cookie butter? goats milk soap--->amazing!! skinny popcorn... I could go on) I'm looking forward to it. I always enjoy time with Becky. We laugh a lot. Mostly about the men in our lives. God love em. :)
Tomorrow is my sweet husband's birthday. He'll be 28. He is a wise, generous, hospitable, witty, romantic, thoughtful man. He provides for me, loves our dog a whole lot and teaches me daily about Jesus' love for me. He reminds me of the Truth when I'm believing lies (often). He is thee best gift giver. He breaks into song when things get tense which always makes me laugh. He is discerning and protects me in so many ways regarding that. He's got great lips. He makes great pancakes- like IHOP quality- I cannot accomplish that. He loves his family and is a loyal friend. I'm so blessed to be his wife. I love you honey!
Well the countdown is on people. 24 days until I see D.R.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And... just a random picture of us that I like... because I miss him like crazy.
happy wednesday friends.
God is good.
We booked our Europe trip that we have been dreaming of! June 11-22 we will be roaming the streets of Rome, Venice, Florence, London, Lucerne (Switzerland) & Paris. Excited is the understatement of the century! It makes it extra sweet because I haven't seen my beloved husband in 5 and 1/2 months.
But before that....
D.R. informed me that I can come to Hattiesburg, MS on May 10 and spend the weekend with him! He has to demobilize for 2ish weeks but they are allowing families to visit on Mother's Day weekend. So off to Hattiesburg I go. My first time staying in Mississippi. I should probably drink a mudslide while I'm there.
I'm like a 17 year old going on a first date- nervous. What should I wear to drive over to Hattiesburg? A dress? Something sporty and comfy (which is what I would usually travel in) Give me your advice! It's weird to think I haven't had a date with my husband since December 6th. Ugh, waaaayyyy too long ago. So ready to get my hands on him.
Bert & Becky (my inlaws) have graciously treated us to a weekend at the beach (Orange Beach, AL to be exact) for Memorial Day weekend. And while there, D.R. has treated me with Lady Antebellum/ Jana Kramer tickets at The Wharf. What fun!!! cowboy boots and a jeans skirt is going in that suitcase. :) I love the beach. I grew up there and was that kid that loved to play in the sand and bake in the sun for hours- fond memories of eating sandwiches and watermelons, looking for seashells, riding waves on my purple boogie board and burying my sister in the sand. The ocean is my happy place. I am beyond blessed to be able to go back to my hometown and literally walk .9 miles to the Atlantic. The Gulf will suffice but there is nothing like the clear, serene water and familiar, non-touristy beaches of the Atlantic coast in West Palm.
More recent...very recent, exciting news, I'M AN AUNT!
My sister gave birth to her first child, a son. (...and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes...haha)
Jaxson Richard Wesley Wragg was born at 12:22p.m. April 15, 2013. Weighing 6lbs 13oz. Healthy, pink, precious baby boy.
Pure Joy
Family of three :)
It's killing me not to be down in FL holding him, making Kirstie meals and loving on her. I will see them in June at a wedding in Nashville.
I started attending a new women's Bible study on Sunday. We are studying Titus. It's so great to be back in a women's study- and it's inductive!!! Such a rich, deep way to study God's word. I can feel my heart already being softened to His word. He is truly satisfying when we spend time with Him.
For those of you who have read previous blog posts, I am making strides with the excessive exercise habits. I've asked the Lord to remove the strong, compulsive desires to exercise hard in order to burn a sufficient amount of calories. I now exercise to get a good sweat and don't monitor oxygen consumed and energy consumed. That was a vicious treadmill that never satisfies. I've been wanting to take my scale to the dumpster for about a week now. I haven't brought myself to do it yet. Still weighing in pretty much daily. My action plan and I'm sure God's application to His word will confirm, that I need to do away with it. It's holding me in bondage to worldly things. Why is the world so dang enticing? Happiness is NOT found when you're rail thin. In fact, I think I look old when I get too skinny. Anyways...God's still working on me, but I feel Him working. Praise to the Lamb!
I'm meeting my mother in law in Atlanta this Saturday. We are going to take a Pure Barre class, have lunch, go to a movie & or shop and...of course... stop by Trader Joe's to stock up on the cheap treasures that Columbus, GA does not offer. (Organic virgin coconut oil? dark chocolate pomegranate arils? cookie butter? goats milk soap--->amazing!! skinny popcorn... I could go on) I'm looking forward to it. I always enjoy time with Becky. We laugh a lot. Mostly about the men in our lives. God love em. :)
Tomorrow is my sweet husband's birthday. He'll be 28. He is a wise, generous, hospitable, witty, romantic, thoughtful man. He provides for me, loves our dog a whole lot and teaches me daily about Jesus' love for me. He reminds me of the Truth when I'm believing lies (often). He is thee best gift giver. He breaks into song when things get tense which always makes me laugh. He is discerning and protects me in so many ways regarding that. He's got great lips. He makes great pancakes- like IHOP quality- I cannot accomplish that. He loves his family and is a loyal friend. I'm so blessed to be his wife. I love you honey!
Well the countdown is on people. 24 days until I see D.R.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And... just a random picture of us that I like... because I miss him like crazy.
happy wednesday friends.
God is good.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
I'm normal, I think...
I think we as women think we're alone. I'm speaking to women, about women because that mostly who reads my blog. I think we sit and ponder things over and over that we aren't good at or shouldn't have done or wish no one knew about us when in reality, we all experience the exact same things.
In fact, I'm sure this is true. About 4 months ago, I had two girl friends from small group over for a movie & wine night. We didn't end up watching the movie. Instead we all shared a current struggle that we'd been having: desiring deeper relationships and feeling worthless (all three of us were unemployed at the time) Within minutes we were crying and laughing about how we were going through the same exact emotions but none of us wanted to share it with anyone because of insecurity. Boy are we insecure.
I often think I'm the only strange girl that, for example, gathers her shed hair up on the bathtub wall at the end of each shower, or doesn't always shower after a hard workout (I know, I know)or sings Taylor Swift's songs really loud in the car or looks back at her Instagram photos almost daily to reminisce.
Can I get personal? Sorry for any dudes that read this. I read recently from an M.D. gastroenterologist at the Mayo clinic that gum and especially sugar free gum can cause or exacerbate digestive distress. I have issues in this area for sure. Poor hubs. This M.D. says that the artificial sweeteners mannitol, sorbitol and xylitol are not absorbed by the intestines, which can lead to bloating as well as stomach upset and diarrhea." Chewing gum inadvertently makes you swallow air, which can make you gassy. I have laid off the artificial sweeteners in the last week and I can already tell a difference! This is legit! It's hard though. I do like my Dt. Pepsi, sugarfree gum, and splenda in my coffee. But I like a healthy digestive tract better! amen. Anyone else have this issue?
How about cleaning off the cutting board? EVERY time you slice two pieces of apple? are you kidding me? no, I do not do it. a little bacteria ain't gonna hurt no one. Am I normal here too?
Can anyone just eat one frozen Thin Mint cookie at a time? This girl says no.
How about feeling pressured to stray from your normal way of eating when you're out with friends. Example, if you typically eat healthy and everyone around you is ordering the fried, stuffed, bacon wrapped ________ for starters with the prime rib, garlic mashed potatoes and wedge "salad", do you feel like you shouldn't be "the healthy prude" who gets a salad or grilled chicken and veggies?
Or if you typically use eating out as a "no rules" thing and order whatever you want but you're with "oh I'll have the side salad with balsamic vinegar and chicken cooked in PAM spray" friends, do you hate yourself for ordering like a "fatty"? I know I can be influenced for sure. I'm getting better about just ordering for me and not for what other people think. Cause I'm the one eating it, right?
Anyways, spring has sprung in Columbus, GA, kindof. Do you wear white pants all year long? I do. I totally don't stick to that after Easter stuff.
I set my alarm to an odd time. Like 7:21. I don't know why, I don't like to wake up to "0" or "5" ending numbers. Weird.
If I ride 26.2 miles on my bike can I say I did a marathon? I think that'd be sweet. I'd buy the sticker.
I like books about theology, apologetics and the facets of God. I rarely read a fiction book or biography. Just don't like em as much. Except the Hunger Games. What's your favorite book currently?
I have passed by many a penny without picking it up. (dimes & quarters, no) But then, every time, I think "that's money. why didn't I pick it up?" I'm gonna change that.
I'm trying to cut back on caffeine but it is sooo hard. I'm only drinking one 8 oz cup in the morning. By 2:30, I'm desiring another cup but I've resisted almost completely since the new year. Caffeine & sugar are stinkin hard to stay away from!
I love to clean out my drawers but then it takes me forever to take the stuff to Plato's Closet or Goodwill. It will sit in a corner for weeks, even months. Sad.
I keep wanting to print some of my instagram and facebook pics but haven't sat down and signed up for Mpix to order some prints. Has anyone else used a program to do this that they recommend? I want printed photos. What if Facebook crashes one day? That's a heck of a lotta memories POOF gone!
I love food blogs and food shows but I cannot watch them late at night or I will clean out my pantry. I watch them at dinner time, while I'm eating. What's your favorite food blog or food show? Have you made any of their recipes?
Well that's enough random thoughts for one post. Happy Tuesday ya'll!
In fact, I'm sure this is true. About 4 months ago, I had two girl friends from small group over for a movie & wine night. We didn't end up watching the movie. Instead we all shared a current struggle that we'd been having: desiring deeper relationships and feeling worthless (all three of us were unemployed at the time) Within minutes we were crying and laughing about how we were going through the same exact emotions but none of us wanted to share it with anyone because of insecurity. Boy are we insecure.
I often think I'm the only strange girl that, for example, gathers her shed hair up on the bathtub wall at the end of each shower, or doesn't always shower after a hard workout (I know, I know)or sings Taylor Swift's songs really loud in the car or looks back at her Instagram photos almost daily to reminisce.
Can I get personal? Sorry for any dudes that read this. I read recently from an M.D. gastroenterologist at the Mayo clinic that gum and especially sugar free gum can cause or exacerbate digestive distress. I have issues in this area for sure. Poor hubs. This M.D. says that the artificial sweeteners mannitol, sorbitol and xylitol are not absorbed by the intestines, which can lead to bloating as well as stomach upset and diarrhea." Chewing gum inadvertently makes you swallow air, which can make you gassy. I have laid off the artificial sweeteners in the last week and I can already tell a difference! This is legit! It's hard though. I do like my Dt. Pepsi, sugarfree gum, and splenda in my coffee. But I like a healthy digestive tract better! amen. Anyone else have this issue?
How about cleaning off the cutting board? EVERY time you slice two pieces of apple? are you kidding me? no, I do not do it. a little bacteria ain't gonna hurt no one. Am I normal here too?
Can anyone just eat one frozen Thin Mint cookie at a time? This girl says no.
How about feeling pressured to stray from your normal way of eating when you're out with friends. Example, if you typically eat healthy and everyone around you is ordering the fried, stuffed, bacon wrapped ________ for starters with the prime rib, garlic mashed potatoes and wedge "salad", do you feel like you shouldn't be "the healthy prude" who gets a salad or grilled chicken and veggies?
Or if you typically use eating out as a "no rules" thing and order whatever you want but you're with "oh I'll have the side salad with balsamic vinegar and chicken cooked in PAM spray" friends, do you hate yourself for ordering like a "fatty"? I know I can be influenced for sure. I'm getting better about just ordering for me and not for what other people think. Cause I'm the one eating it, right?
Anyways, spring has sprung in Columbus, GA, kindof. Do you wear white pants all year long? I do. I totally don't stick to that after Easter stuff.
I set my alarm to an odd time. Like 7:21. I don't know why, I don't like to wake up to "0" or "5" ending numbers. Weird.
If I ride 26.2 miles on my bike can I say I did a marathon? I think that'd be sweet. I'd buy the sticker.
I like books about theology, apologetics and the facets of God. I rarely read a fiction book or biography. Just don't like em as much. Except the Hunger Games. What's your favorite book currently?
I have passed by many a penny without picking it up. (dimes & quarters, no) But then, every time, I think "that's money. why didn't I pick it up?" I'm gonna change that.
I'm trying to cut back on caffeine but it is sooo hard. I'm only drinking one 8 oz cup in the morning. By 2:30, I'm desiring another cup but I've resisted almost completely since the new year. Caffeine & sugar are stinkin hard to stay away from!
I love to clean out my drawers but then it takes me forever to take the stuff to Plato's Closet or Goodwill. It will sit in a corner for weeks, even months. Sad.
I keep wanting to print some of my instagram and facebook pics but haven't sat down and signed up for Mpix to order some prints. Has anyone else used a program to do this that they recommend? I want printed photos. What if Facebook crashes one day? That's a heck of a lotta memories POOF gone!
I love food blogs and food shows but I cannot watch them late at night or I will clean out my pantry. I watch them at dinner time, while I'm eating. What's your favorite food blog or food show? Have you made any of their recipes?
Well that's enough random thoughts for one post. Happy Tuesday ya'll!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Razors, Almond Milk & James 4
So... my husband shaved his head. Yep, Kaci, he looks like Jay now. I'm not used to it yet. It's so....ARMY. :) But hair doesn't make the man and I love him and desire him just the same- full head of hair or shiny top. We'll be that old couple where he is bald and I'm one big wrinkle. Bring it.
So that's the razor part of my post. Oh and also related, I shaved my legs for the first time in.... quite a while. (I shave my arm pits regularly, no worries)
But I mean, really...
1. It's winter.
2. My husband is in Afghanistan.
3. I could care less.
I feel like I wanna go out on the town with my freshly shaven legs. Except the man I wanna stroll along the sidewalk with is 1,000s of miles away. :(
We are doing well. It's been almost a full 3 months apart from each other and God has used this time to make us truly thankful for what we have in the other. Champ got up in the recliner the other night. Just hopped up and plopped down. That's DR's seat. It was sad. A buddy of ours returned from Afghanistan a couple of weeks ago and him and his wife were in church today. I got a pit in my stomach when they walked in. It hurt bad to not have DR sitting in church with me. We sang one of my favorite songs, "Be Still My Soul". It always, always makes me cry. The words are so sobering.Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side. Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain. Leave to thy God to order and provide; In every change, He faithful will remain. Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend through thorny ways leads to a joyful end." They make you really think about what's important in this life and remember that we are made for the next life- the full, abundant, sin-free life. I can't imagine a day when I no longer get impatient behind the wheel or judgmental at the gym. Where every kind word will have 100% pure motive behind it. Nothing tainted by selfish thoughts. Only unadulterated joy and praise lived out because of our glorification and oneness with Jesus! Sigh.... A beautiful longing.
I have an unhealthy obsession with almond milk. I drink it like water; in my cereal, in a glass, in shakes, in my egg whites, in baking, in oatmeal, in sauces, in coffee, in hot tea. I stinkin love that stuff. If you haven't tried it, you must give it a shot. It's more pricey than regular milk but so much tastier- and better for you!!
I've been doing so much better in my struggle with weight/running. I haven't run more than 5 miles in the last two weeks and those have been walk/runs. I've gained a few pounds and honestly the Lord has quenched the desire to stay 105 "fit". Fit is not a number on a scale. That's still a struggle. I am stronger than ever. I am doing a lot of different work-outs. Constantly confusing my muscles so as to gain strength and tone. A mix of exercises have taken the place of long-distance running, for now.
I was reading James 4 today and of course, like all of God's Word, it was applicable to what I'm going through right now.
"What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:1-8
I pray. I pray quite often actually. I ask the Lord for all kinds of things. But this verse reminds me that there is a wrong way to pray. I cannot ask God to give me what I want- especially when I know that what I want is an idol in my heart. That serving two masters thing doesn't work. He is a jealous God and will not allow competition. Thankfully. I have earnestly asked the Lord to take the desire to be "fit" (my twisted definition) and to be fertile at the same time. He is graciously answering the first and I'm so grateful. I put my scale on the top shelf of my closet instead of next to my toilet. Hopefully this will help me a great deal. I like to eat healthy and I like to eat chocolate everyday. It's a balance. Being unaware of my weight is freeing. I can enjoy food and enjoy exercise so much more!
Questions:
What's a food/drink you must have every single day?
What's your favorite cardio workout?
Is there something in your life that you have been selfishly asking God for?
So that's the razor part of my post. Oh and also related, I shaved my legs for the first time in.... quite a while. (I shave my arm pits regularly, no worries)
But I mean, really...
1. It's winter.
2. My husband is in Afghanistan.
3. I could care less.
I feel like I wanna go out on the town with my freshly shaven legs. Except the man I wanna stroll along the sidewalk with is 1,000s of miles away. :(
We are doing well. It's been almost a full 3 months apart from each other and God has used this time to make us truly thankful for what we have in the other. Champ got up in the recliner the other night. Just hopped up and plopped down. That's DR's seat. It was sad. A buddy of ours returned from Afghanistan a couple of weeks ago and him and his wife were in church today. I got a pit in my stomach when they walked in. It hurt bad to not have DR sitting in church with me. We sang one of my favorite songs, "Be Still My Soul". It always, always makes me cry. The words are so sobering.Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side. Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain. Leave to thy God to order and provide; In every change, He faithful will remain. Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend through thorny ways leads to a joyful end." They make you really think about what's important in this life and remember that we are made for the next life- the full, abundant, sin-free life. I can't imagine a day when I no longer get impatient behind the wheel or judgmental at the gym. Where every kind word will have 100% pure motive behind it. Nothing tainted by selfish thoughts. Only unadulterated joy and praise lived out because of our glorification and oneness with Jesus! Sigh.... A beautiful longing.
I have an unhealthy obsession with almond milk. I drink it like water; in my cereal, in a glass, in shakes, in my egg whites, in baking, in oatmeal, in sauces, in coffee, in hot tea. I stinkin love that stuff. If you haven't tried it, you must give it a shot. It's more pricey than regular milk but so much tastier- and better for you!!
I've been doing so much better in my struggle with weight/running. I haven't run more than 5 miles in the last two weeks and those have been walk/runs. I've gained a few pounds and honestly the Lord has quenched the desire to stay 105 "fit". Fit is not a number on a scale. That's still a struggle. I am stronger than ever. I am doing a lot of different work-outs. Constantly confusing my muscles so as to gain strength and tone. A mix of exercises have taken the place of long-distance running, for now.
I was reading James 4 today and of course, like all of God's Word, it was applicable to what I'm going through right now.
"What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:1-8
I pray. I pray quite often actually. I ask the Lord for all kinds of things. But this verse reminds me that there is a wrong way to pray. I cannot ask God to give me what I want- especially when I know that what I want is an idol in my heart. That serving two masters thing doesn't work. He is a jealous God and will not allow competition. Thankfully. I have earnestly asked the Lord to take the desire to be "fit" (my twisted definition) and to be fertile at the same time. He is graciously answering the first and I'm so grateful. I put my scale on the top shelf of my closet instead of next to my toilet. Hopefully this will help me a great deal. I like to eat healthy and I like to eat chocolate everyday. It's a balance. Being unaware of my weight is freeing. I can enjoy food and enjoy exercise so much more!
Questions:
What's a food/drink you must have every single day?
What's your favorite cardio workout?
Is there something in your life that you have been selfishly asking God for?
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
This Way is Better...
This post is going to be a bunch of my thoughts put into written words. It's going to be very personal. It's going to be good therapy for me to get these words out- in hopes that the Lord will use them to further teach me His way in this area.
It's been a long struggle. You've read my previous posts about my relationship with exercise and food. The food side of things has been healed for the most part and by the grace of God I rarely have "eater's remorse" after I eat something fattening or large portioned. I'm not completely back to "normal" but I'm asking the Lord to daily allow me to eat to His glory. I enjoy food. I love a good steak (now) and every once in a while bake a batch of regular-ingredient brownies. (butter/oil, whole milk, eggs (w/yolk)) I'm still learning moderation and less dependance on food (partaking or abstaining). I want to eat healthfully and I feel I have an actual HEALTHY definition of that now: My new outlook is 80-20. 80% of the time I commit to eat whole grain, fresh fruit/vegetables, lean protein, low caffeine/sugar. Then 20% of the time, indulge in some of my favorites. (brownies, chips/salsa, ice cream, diet pepsi) You can't be good all the time and thinking you can is just a recipe for failure. For a while I tried to go vegetarian and I was so low-energy. It didn't work for me. My body needed the protein from meat sources and I was robbing myself of the health benefits of protein in muscle repair (especially since I was running and working out at a high intensity and long duration) Knowledge is freedom! My husband and I took a class together in college called "Sports Nutrition". I learned so much then but I forgot so much of it later in life. I went back and read the chapters on carb/protein/fat needs for mod-intense exercisers. I was no where near meeting those calorie requirements. Sooo counter-productive to be so active and not give your body the proper nutrition. My efforts in my Nike's were for nothing b/c I wasn't rebuilding muscle tissue damage with enough protein & carbs.
On the other side was my struggle with obsessive exercise. Somewhere along the line, probably about a year ago, I became obsessed with working out usually in the form of running. Running became a place where I could be in control. When my marriage was in disarray, when I suddenly became unemployed, when I found out my husband was deploying to Afghanistan, when my body wasn't what I wanted it to be, when my house wasn't as decorated and put together as other wives.... I'd run. I'd set a goal and I'd reach it and sometimes surpass it. What a feeling of satisfaction. I could control running. At least I thought I could. My heart would swell inside me. I started out running every other day 6-7 miles. I'd bring work out clothes to work and right when the clock struck 4:00, I'd change and head to the park. This meant I'd get home around 5:30-5:45, sweaty and having to START dinner. D.R. usually got home around 6 and dinner was just getting started. He understood for a while but then he expressed to me that it'd be nice to have dinner ready when he got home so we could eat and spend more time together before he would head to bed around 9:45 (up at 4:30 some mornings...that's the Army) I didn't consider him. I kept my running regimen. Dinner would be done, when it was done. I amped up my miles over the next couple months with a half marathon in sight, running 8-9 during the week and 10-12 on the weekends. With the increased time away from home, not only was dinner pushed back but my chores fell by the way side. I didn't think D.R. noticed until one night he said, "there's a lot of dog hair gathering in the corner of our bedroom. Do you think it's time to vacuum?" whoops, yeah it was. Champ hadn't had a bath in forever and was itchy (poor guy). The laundry basket was overflowing most weeks and stinking up our bedroom because it was filled with wet, smelly workout clothes. I started failing to plan our grocery meal list for the week and would run to Publix 3-4 times a week to buy a meal or 2 at a time. $30 here. $40 there. We ended up spending ~$30 over our allotted grocery expense/week. All because I had to run.
Then the health issues started. My hips hurt all the time. I would do hot showers but never ice baths (like my husband suggested). My complexion became teen-like along with my chest and upper back. I would weigh myself in the morning, after breakfast, when I got home from work/running, after dinner, and before bed. Always hoping not to stray more than 3 lbs from my morning weight. I was a slave to my scale. My clothes started feeling looser, which in pants was awesome! in bras and tops, not so much. But deep in my heart, I felt good about the weight I'd lost. I was as thin as my sister.(who has a tinier frame than I) I had toned thighs & butt for the first time in my life. I got off birth control and we decided to try to get pregnant. After three months of trying we heard about D.R.'s deployment so we got back on as to not get pregnant and have him miss the birth. We got off b.c. again 3 months before he deployed and tried to conceive again. No luck. No period. I'm still amenorrheic. My sexual appetite was diminished with the increase in hard exercise. Sex became painful and chore-like. Our marriage took a huge hit. But still, I continued to run. Setting my sights on two more half marathons, both in the month of January, I hit the pavement hard. I got down to my lowest weight and I finally saw the seriousness of what I was doing. D.R. could not help me because I refused to believe I needed help. My mom, dad, and sister would tell me I was running to much and not eating enough. They said my hip bones were sticking out. They said they'd never seen me this skinny. It hurt my feelings but I still wanted to maintain my "fitness". It had become my identity. I felt that if I didn't run and work out hard, I wouldn't be "Danelle". People know me as a runner, as a fitness guru. If I gave that up partially, I would feel like a failure. I was in bondage.
It wasn't until my sister started really showing in her 6th month of pregnancy that I evaluated my situation, "Do you want to be a mom? or an elite runner?" D.R. would ask me. Hurt and anger filling his eyes. I couldn't believe my heart when I answered, "of course I want to be a mom but I want to keep running too!" My body wouldn't let me do both. Some women are able to. Every woman's body is different. I am not able to continue being a half-marathoner and hope to be a mom. Not right now anyways. My body needs less stress put upon it. It's amazing how the body will fight for itself. With all the stress that running imposes on the body, the Lord has created us to not allow a stressed body to carry new life. It makes sense. Bringing new life into the world is a miracle in the first place. Bringing new life into a stressed "habitation" for 9 months is not preferred. I was humbled and broken over my sister's decision to scale back on her exercise habits. The Lord was gracious to her and has grown her baby healthfully so far. All praise to Him!
I want that. I want to be a mom. A biological mom. Adoption is beautiful and given the opportunity, D.R. & I will definitely pursue that. But I want to carry my own child. I want to be humbled. I want to embrace the way that God has created a woman's body to function. I've been scared to gain weight. Scared to gain more body fat in an attempt to get my cycle back. But I know this is what I must try to do and hopefully the Lord will be gracious to me. Souls are eternal. Our physical bodies are not. I want to embrace another inch on my waistline, hips and thighs if it means being fertile. O God please.... Help me see my vanity.
"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
My plan is to scale back considerably on my exercise regimen. To gain 5-8 lbs and hopefully receive my cycle again. I plan to teach Zumba, do my Pure Barre dvd, and do the elliptical a few days a week. This is sufficient. This is a season of preparation- not for a race but for motherhood. If it be God's will, I pray that He will grant me that honor in the months to come. I need His grace daily. I know I will be faced with the choice to "feed my flesh" every day. I painted my nails hot purple. I sat down, Pandora going, and an hour later I had pretty nails and a content heart. I hope I have many more victories like this- by God's grace, I will.
It's been a long struggle. You've read my previous posts about my relationship with exercise and food. The food side of things has been healed for the most part and by the grace of God I rarely have "eater's remorse" after I eat something fattening or large portioned. I'm not completely back to "normal" but I'm asking the Lord to daily allow me to eat to His glory. I enjoy food. I love a good steak (now) and every once in a while bake a batch of regular-ingredient brownies. (butter/oil, whole milk, eggs (w/yolk)) I'm still learning moderation and less dependance on food (partaking or abstaining). I want to eat healthfully and I feel I have an actual HEALTHY definition of that now: My new outlook is 80-20. 80% of the time I commit to eat whole grain, fresh fruit/vegetables, lean protein, low caffeine/sugar. Then 20% of the time, indulge in some of my favorites. (brownies, chips/salsa, ice cream, diet pepsi) You can't be good all the time and thinking you can is just a recipe for failure. For a while I tried to go vegetarian and I was so low-energy. It didn't work for me. My body needed the protein from meat sources and I was robbing myself of the health benefits of protein in muscle repair (especially since I was running and working out at a high intensity and long duration) Knowledge is freedom! My husband and I took a class together in college called "Sports Nutrition". I learned so much then but I forgot so much of it later in life. I went back and read the chapters on carb/protein/fat needs for mod-intense exercisers. I was no where near meeting those calorie requirements. Sooo counter-productive to be so active and not give your body the proper nutrition. My efforts in my Nike's were for nothing b/c I wasn't rebuilding muscle tissue damage with enough protein & carbs.
On the other side was my struggle with obsessive exercise. Somewhere along the line, probably about a year ago, I became obsessed with working out usually in the form of running. Running became a place where I could be in control. When my marriage was in disarray, when I suddenly became unemployed, when I found out my husband was deploying to Afghanistan, when my body wasn't what I wanted it to be, when my house wasn't as decorated and put together as other wives.... I'd run. I'd set a goal and I'd reach it and sometimes surpass it. What a feeling of satisfaction. I could control running. At least I thought I could. My heart would swell inside me. I started out running every other day 6-7 miles. I'd bring work out clothes to work and right when the clock struck 4:00, I'd change and head to the park. This meant I'd get home around 5:30-5:45, sweaty and having to START dinner. D.R. usually got home around 6 and dinner was just getting started. He understood for a while but then he expressed to me that it'd be nice to have dinner ready when he got home so we could eat and spend more time together before he would head to bed around 9:45 (up at 4:30 some mornings...that's the Army) I didn't consider him. I kept my running regimen. Dinner would be done, when it was done. I amped up my miles over the next couple months with a half marathon in sight, running 8-9 during the week and 10-12 on the weekends. With the increased time away from home, not only was dinner pushed back but my chores fell by the way side. I didn't think D.R. noticed until one night he said, "there's a lot of dog hair gathering in the corner of our bedroom. Do you think it's time to vacuum?" whoops, yeah it was. Champ hadn't had a bath in forever and was itchy (poor guy). The laundry basket was overflowing most weeks and stinking up our bedroom because it was filled with wet, smelly workout clothes. I started failing to plan our grocery meal list for the week and would run to Publix 3-4 times a week to buy a meal or 2 at a time. $30 here. $40 there. We ended up spending ~$30 over our allotted grocery expense/week. All because I had to run.
Then the health issues started. My hips hurt all the time. I would do hot showers but never ice baths (like my husband suggested). My complexion became teen-like along with my chest and upper back. I would weigh myself in the morning, after breakfast, when I got home from work/running, after dinner, and before bed. Always hoping not to stray more than 3 lbs from my morning weight. I was a slave to my scale. My clothes started feeling looser, which in pants was awesome! in bras and tops, not so much. But deep in my heart, I felt good about the weight I'd lost. I was as thin as my sister.(who has a tinier frame than I) I had toned thighs & butt for the first time in my life. I got off birth control and we decided to try to get pregnant. After three months of trying we heard about D.R.'s deployment so we got back on as to not get pregnant and have him miss the birth. We got off b.c. again 3 months before he deployed and tried to conceive again. No luck. No period. I'm still amenorrheic. My sexual appetite was diminished with the increase in hard exercise. Sex became painful and chore-like. Our marriage took a huge hit. But still, I continued to run. Setting my sights on two more half marathons, both in the month of January, I hit the pavement hard. I got down to my lowest weight and I finally saw the seriousness of what I was doing. D.R. could not help me because I refused to believe I needed help. My mom, dad, and sister would tell me I was running to much and not eating enough. They said my hip bones were sticking out. They said they'd never seen me this skinny. It hurt my feelings but I still wanted to maintain my "fitness". It had become my identity. I felt that if I didn't run and work out hard, I wouldn't be "Danelle". People know me as a runner, as a fitness guru. If I gave that up partially, I would feel like a failure. I was in bondage.
It wasn't until my sister started really showing in her 6th month of pregnancy that I evaluated my situation, "Do you want to be a mom? or an elite runner?" D.R. would ask me. Hurt and anger filling his eyes. I couldn't believe my heart when I answered, "of course I want to be a mom but I want to keep running too!" My body wouldn't let me do both. Some women are able to. Every woman's body is different. I am not able to continue being a half-marathoner and hope to be a mom. Not right now anyways. My body needs less stress put upon it. It's amazing how the body will fight for itself. With all the stress that running imposes on the body, the Lord has created us to not allow a stressed body to carry new life. It makes sense. Bringing new life into the world is a miracle in the first place. Bringing new life into a stressed "habitation" for 9 months is not preferred. I was humbled and broken over my sister's decision to scale back on her exercise habits. The Lord was gracious to her and has grown her baby healthfully so far. All praise to Him!
I want that. I want to be a mom. A biological mom. Adoption is beautiful and given the opportunity, D.R. & I will definitely pursue that. But I want to carry my own child. I want to be humbled. I want to embrace the way that God has created a woman's body to function. I've been scared to gain weight. Scared to gain more body fat in an attempt to get my cycle back. But I know this is what I must try to do and hopefully the Lord will be gracious to me. Souls are eternal. Our physical bodies are not. I want to embrace another inch on my waistline, hips and thighs if it means being fertile. O God please.... Help me see my vanity.
"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
My plan is to scale back considerably on my exercise regimen. To gain 5-8 lbs and hopefully receive my cycle again. I plan to teach Zumba, do my Pure Barre dvd, and do the elliptical a few days a week. This is sufficient. This is a season of preparation- not for a race but for motherhood. If it be God's will, I pray that He will grant me that honor in the months to come. I need His grace daily. I know I will be faced with the choice to "feed my flesh" every day. I painted my nails hot purple. I sat down, Pandora going, and an hour later I had pretty nails and a content heart. I hope I have many more victories like this- by God's grace, I will.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Starting the Day Off Right
I invited a friend to breakfast this morning. One that I hadn't spent time with in a while. He is always available to have breakfast with me but I'm often too "busy". Many mornings I choose extra sleep, exercise, or an Army Wives episode over time with Him. He patiently waits for me.... desiring to teach me truth and listen to my heart.
This morning I sat down with my coffee, cereal and Bible and eagerly waited to hear from Him. Avoiding Facebook, Instagram, email and blogs, I typed in www.desiringgod.org to listen to John Piper's most recent uploaded sermon. It was titled "Sorrowful yet always rejoicing." (2 Corinthians 6:10) This has been DR & I's life verse since we've known each other. We both learned in college that being a Christian means you are acquainted with sorrow and joy simultaneously. We live in a sad, broken, dying world but knowing Christ brings immense, unspeakable joy in the midst of the most painful times. This is our hope in Christ. I have felt that hope again this morning. I know I won't stay on this good streak of meeting with my Savior first thing in the morning but I will strive to and ask Him to give me the desire to. "Going into your day before meeting with God is like going into battle unarmed." (J. Piper) I can have good days without reading my Bible. Heck, most days I don't read my Bible sadly... and there are good days. But then, there are joyful days. Those are the days when I have a deeper peace, a less anxious heart and a weaker desire to appease the world. I care less about the time I spend on me and more about what I can do for others. It's so freeing! Why can't I remember that feeling of freedom in Christ every morning!?! It would save me from a thousand small sins in my heart. God cares about our days- how we spend them. Where we focus our time and energy. We will serve what we love most. My soul's desire today is to serve Christ well as I babysit, as I clean my apartment, as I run with a friend later and as I have a meeting tonight. I want to do it all to His glory and I want to be open to Him changing my plans. After all.... He is the creator of the universe!!
Even during this lonely season I'm in, I know God is faithful. In fact, it's when I'm most sorrowful that I feel the deepest joy! Being apart from D.R. for two months now (to the day) has been the deepest pain I've ever experienced. My heart aches to be near my husband. But the Lord is with me. He has refreshed my soul this morning and I somehow feel swaddled and held by His strong, tender arms.
God cares what you're struggling with. He cares about your sadness. I pray that TODAY, you will allow Him to show you the joy that is found when we trust Him amidst our pain. He is completely satisfying!!
This poem was quoted in the sermon I listened to and it spoke so powerfully to me. Enjoy. Seek JOY today, friends!!!
God Moves In A Mysterious Way
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs,
And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
William Cowper
This morning I sat down with my coffee, cereal and Bible and eagerly waited to hear from Him. Avoiding Facebook, Instagram, email and blogs, I typed in www.desiringgod.org to listen to John Piper's most recent uploaded sermon. It was titled "Sorrowful yet always rejoicing." (2 Corinthians 6:10) This has been DR & I's life verse since we've known each other. We both learned in college that being a Christian means you are acquainted with sorrow and joy simultaneously. We live in a sad, broken, dying world but knowing Christ brings immense, unspeakable joy in the midst of the most painful times. This is our hope in Christ. I have felt that hope again this morning. I know I won't stay on this good streak of meeting with my Savior first thing in the morning but I will strive to and ask Him to give me the desire to. "Going into your day before meeting with God is like going into battle unarmed." (J. Piper) I can have good days without reading my Bible. Heck, most days I don't read my Bible sadly... and there are good days. But then, there are joyful days. Those are the days when I have a deeper peace, a less anxious heart and a weaker desire to appease the world. I care less about the time I spend on me and more about what I can do for others. It's so freeing! Why can't I remember that feeling of freedom in Christ every morning!?! It would save me from a thousand small sins in my heart. God cares about our days- how we spend them. Where we focus our time and energy. We will serve what we love most. My soul's desire today is to serve Christ well as I babysit, as I clean my apartment, as I run with a friend later and as I have a meeting tonight. I want to do it all to His glory and I want to be open to Him changing my plans. After all.... He is the creator of the universe!!
Even during this lonely season I'm in, I know God is faithful. In fact, it's when I'm most sorrowful that I feel the deepest joy! Being apart from D.R. for two months now (to the day) has been the deepest pain I've ever experienced. My heart aches to be near my husband. But the Lord is with me. He has refreshed my soul this morning and I somehow feel swaddled and held by His strong, tender arms.
God cares what you're struggling with. He cares about your sadness. I pray that TODAY, you will allow Him to show you the joy that is found when we trust Him amidst our pain. He is completely satisfying!!
This poem was quoted in the sermon I listened to and it spoke so powerfully to me. Enjoy. Seek JOY today, friends!!!
God Moves In A Mysterious Way
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs,
And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
William Cowper
Sunday, January 20, 2013
2012: a year in review
In the past year, the Lord has done a lot. I have seen His goodness in joys and sorrows.
January: I began again meeting with Cary KH at Starbucks on Monday nights. We went through Barbara Hughes' "Disciplines of a Godly Woman" and A.W. Tozer's "The Pursuit of God. My time with Cary really helped me hunger for God's word. It's amazing how God uses a 16 year old to grow my faith! I also continuing leading a Bible study with 5 Calvary Christian School seniors. We studied T.U.L.I.P. Great conversation about the sovereignty of God and such sweet time over coffee with those girls. Dear to my heart.
February: My mom came to visit and went to our women's retreat with me. She also supported me(as did D.R) as I ran my first half marathon in Kennesaw, GA. It was a great experience. I'm thankful the Lord allowed me to train injury-free and run with joy. Even if it was 55 degrees and misty raining the whole time! Don't know how I didn't get sick!
March: D.R. completed Airborne school! So proud of him! Not much else happened in March.
April: D.R. & I vacationed in Amelia Island. It was a quaint, romantic time. D.R.'s 27th birthday was celebrated with lots of sweet friends at our apartment. Grilled meat, football, chocolate cake = happy husband.
May: D.R. and I decided that he would deploy in the winter. In the same week, I lost my job at Calvary Christian school. It was a heavy-hearted month filled with many tears and time on my knees with Jesus. At the end of the month, we went to Ringgold for Memorial weekend. It was a fun time with DR's family.
June: June was an unemployed month for me. I spent my time organized our e-meals menus, cleaning out closets, drinking coffee with friends, and experimenting in the kitchen (since I had the time). I got on quite a health kick and cut out red meat, milk, and sugary cereal. D.R. was not a fan of some of the meals I started making which included words he says he can't pronounce (quinoa, lentils, tabouli, kamut)haha! I really enjoyed my new way of eating and felt so much lighter on my feet...but I did miss my iron-filled steak eventually. I haven't jumped back on drinking milk b/c I'm addicted to almond milk. It's so much tastier and 1/3 the calories of ff milk. score. At the end of this month, we took a week vacation to Key West/West Palm Beach for my friend Tia's wedding. It was a blast! The "clean eating" got put on hold cuz I had to get my Key Lime pie and Miami Vices! DR & I stayed at a resort on the beach in Key West. It was bliss. My favorite part was going on a 3 hour jet ski cruise around Key West. So much fun! Plus lots of prime time tanning. We finished the week back in Palm Beach with my family celebrating the 4th of July and my birthday (July 5) The traditional cook out in the back yard by the pool with sweet church families and then fireworks over the intracoastal in WPB. Finished off the night with fro yo from a shabby chic place on the waterway. Yes, I am blessed to be from south FL. It's too much fun going home. At the end of this month, I started running with Kaci Lesley and Madison Montgomery. 6:30 runs 3 times a week, in the summer humidity. I felt super dedicated... but this did not last long. I loved my time with Kaci/Mad- learning more about their lives and sharing mine with them. Running and Jesus really bonded us!
July: In the middle of this month, we had our youth summer "missions trip" right here in our city, Columbus. We traveled 10 minutes to the other side of town and worked alongside a church in an urban part of town. It was an incredible week of laboring alongside brothers and sisters with dark skin! It was awesome to do service work here at home. Watching our teens and volunteers love on the people of "Bibb City" was so heart-warming. As our leader Zach stated, "we are not fixed people coming to minister to broken people. We are broken people coming to love on other broken people." It was a hot (90s) week and most of our time was spent outside doing lawn care and kids club (a vbs type schedule each night). I was challenged a lot that week as God revealed to me how much my time and choices are idols. I want to be in control of when I get up, what and when I eat, what temperature I hang out in, who I sleep next to. I got to choose none of that... and it was so good for my selfish self. Ain't nothin' more humbling that sleeping 8 deep in a tent with teen girls who haven't showered in 3 days. Bonding at it's finest. :) At the very end of this month, I went to a fitness conference in Atlanta. There I got certified to teach Zumba. I also took over 20 classes within the weekend and learned a lot of great work-outs to use once I start personal training. While there, I got to meet up with a sweet friend, Nobie Ennis for dinner at Chipotle. It was great to catch up with her! The next night, my inlaws and husband drove to Atl to eat dinner at P.F. Changs with me. Good eats, good workouts. Happy girl.
August:At the beginning of this month I got a memorable call from my little sister informing me that she is pregnant! I couldn't be more excited to meet Jaxson in mid-April! I know Kirstie will be a great mom and God will teach her so much. (my time will come someday...Lord willing) Until then... Aunt Danelle & Uncle D.R. will love that little guy!
This month we celebrated 5 years of marriage! D.R. took me to dinner at a local steakhouse and then we brought a bottle of wine back to the apartment and watched a movie. I can't believe it's already been 5 years. So thankful for my God-fearing, handsome husband. The day after our anniversary, we left for a week long trip to Myrtle Beach, SC for DR to attend a continuing education conference. I attended the school of sand and shells for the week. No, I studied up for my upcoming Personal Training school...but I did sleep in, eat a delightful breakfast, take runs in pretty nearby beach communities, and get prettied up for a dinner date with my man every night. It was rough. We were blessed to get to celebrate our 5 years all on the Army's dime since DR was required to go. Lots of twisting of the arm.
This month, we also said goodbye to two of our dear friends, Zach & Chelsey Smith. Zach got accepted to medical school in Atlanta. We are so proud of him but bummed that they had to move. They are definitely heart friends. You know....the kind that you tell your crap to cause you know they love you. The kind that you wanna vacation with. I miss them but they will always be near and dear to us.
Oh, and I went back to being a brunette. Crucial piece of information.
September: This month we went on a marriage retreat put on by the Chaplain at D.R.'s job. It was a refreshing weekend with D.R. We talked a lot- about us, about what we want God to do in our hearts, how we can better serve and love each other. It was a great couple days in Panama City Beach.
D.R. traveled to San Antonio, TX for his OBLC (Ofc. Basic Leadership Course) for trauma and deployment readiness. He did some crazy stuff which I am unauthorized to share. Let's just say, he got a very real taste of what it would be like overseas in a war zone. At the end of his training week, I flew out and joined him for a long weekend. San Antonio is a neat city. Lots of fun tex-mex restaurants, the river running throughout the downtown, the strung white lights and Latin music everywhere you go. Plus they had one of the hugest (is that a word?) Forever XXI I've ever seen! It took over a department store in the local mall. I was in shock. D.R. graciously dropped me off there for a couple hours while he went to Best Buy, local boot stores and did other man-activities. We got to meet up with our friends, Nate & Delaney Trimble for a day of sight-seeing and shopping.
October: I know it seems like we went on a lot of trips....because we did. This month we went on a mountain getaway in Blue Ridge, GA. It's become a McNew tradition to go to this spot. We love it. Beautiful trails to hike, quaint shops and restaurants, and breath-taking views from the cabin porch. It's a weekend of relaxation. My mother in law and I went on a 3 hour hike while the boys watched the GA game. I love me some dawgs but they missed out! We found a beautiful waterfall. It was a sweet time with her. I have a great relationship with my m.i.l. She gets me. I am blessed.
I also started my Personal Training Certification at Columbus State University and finished up in mid-November. I am currently working towards my practical internship hours. I am loving it!
November: Not much before Thanksgiving so I'll jump to that. We went to Ringgold and had a great time with D.R.'s family. Family, football, pumpkin pie, 8k turkey trot, black Friday shopping, family Rave Movie night (to see Skyfall:007- great!) The last night of our trip, we had a farewell party for D.R. Many of his childhood friends came. It meant so much to D.R. to reconnect with these friends and family and to be sent off knowing he's loved and prayed for.
December: D.R. & I took a long bike ride. I've been wanting to do that for a while now and the weather was perfect. 55- a little cold for D.R.'s liking but I thought it was great! We were wiped after! Got a pizza and enjoyed the rest of the night. That was a special date. On the 7th, I dropped D.R. off at Ft. Benning and kissed him goodbye for 5-6 months. My heart was in my chest the rest of the day but I knew that God was on our side. We are going to make it through this time. He made it safely within 4 days of travel and settled into his new routine over there. We were able to talk on FaceTime every couple days which was incredible! On the 15th, the dog & I packed up and drove down to Boynton Beach for almost 3 weeks. It was a great trip. So relaxing and comforting to be with mom, dad, Kirstie, Aaron, Buddy & Granny. Christmas was not as sad as I thought it might be. I think because I was surrounded by loving family, I didn't dwell on my husband being a world away in a war zone. New Years Eve was hard. We went to Carrabba's (mom, dad & I) and then went to Atlantic Ave to meet up with the Shoe family and walk around. Couple kissing everywhere. No one seemed to be able to wait until midnight. I was super sad. I was super mad at the Army for a few moments. We left after about an hour and went to the Shoe's house to watch the ball drop and make smores. D.R. called me on FaceTime at 11:58 and we watched the fireworks outside together- We rang in the New Years "together". It was special. And sad.
It's already been more than a month. 4-5 more ahead of us. I am tired of being husbandless. I'm tired of cooking dinner for one person every night. I miss him. Sometimes champ sits down and stares at the recliner for a while. I think he wonders where that man went.
The first half of 2013 will be spend apart from my husband. The Lord will sustain us. He will keep us faithful. He is the lifter of my head. He is my provider, my shepherd, my shield. I know He has good in store for us. I trust Him and I'm so thankful that I have butterflies in my stomach when I see D.R. calling....
speaking of!! Happy MLK Jr. Day friends. Hope you all get a day of rest tomorrow.
January: I began again meeting with Cary KH at Starbucks on Monday nights. We went through Barbara Hughes' "Disciplines of a Godly Woman" and A.W. Tozer's "The Pursuit of God. My time with Cary really helped me hunger for God's word. It's amazing how God uses a 16 year old to grow my faith! I also continuing leading a Bible study with 5 Calvary Christian School seniors. We studied T.U.L.I.P. Great conversation about the sovereignty of God and such sweet time over coffee with those girls. Dear to my heart.
February: My mom came to visit and went to our women's retreat with me. She also supported me(as did D.R) as I ran my first half marathon in Kennesaw, GA. It was a great experience. I'm thankful the Lord allowed me to train injury-free and run with joy. Even if it was 55 degrees and misty raining the whole time! Don't know how I didn't get sick!
March: D.R. completed Airborne school! So proud of him! Not much else happened in March.
April: D.R. & I vacationed in Amelia Island. It was a quaint, romantic time. D.R.'s 27th birthday was celebrated with lots of sweet friends at our apartment. Grilled meat, football, chocolate cake = happy husband.
May: D.R. and I decided that he would deploy in the winter. In the same week, I lost my job at Calvary Christian school. It was a heavy-hearted month filled with many tears and time on my knees with Jesus. At the end of the month, we went to Ringgold for Memorial weekend. It was a fun time with DR's family.
June: June was an unemployed month for me. I spent my time organized our e-meals menus, cleaning out closets, drinking coffee with friends, and experimenting in the kitchen (since I had the time). I got on quite a health kick and cut out red meat, milk, and sugary cereal. D.R. was not a fan of some of the meals I started making which included words he says he can't pronounce (quinoa, lentils, tabouli, kamut)haha! I really enjoyed my new way of eating and felt so much lighter on my feet...but I did miss my iron-filled steak eventually. I haven't jumped back on drinking milk b/c I'm addicted to almond milk. It's so much tastier and 1/3 the calories of ff milk. score. At the end of this month, we took a week vacation to Key West/West Palm Beach for my friend Tia's wedding. It was a blast! The "clean eating" got put on hold cuz I had to get my Key Lime pie and Miami Vices! DR & I stayed at a resort on the beach in Key West. It was bliss. My favorite part was going on a 3 hour jet ski cruise around Key West. So much fun! Plus lots of prime time tanning. We finished the week back in Palm Beach with my family celebrating the 4th of July and my birthday (July 5) The traditional cook out in the back yard by the pool with sweet church families and then fireworks over the intracoastal in WPB. Finished off the night with fro yo from a shabby chic place on the waterway. Yes, I am blessed to be from south FL. It's too much fun going home. At the end of this month, I started running with Kaci Lesley and Madison Montgomery. 6:30 runs 3 times a week, in the summer humidity. I felt super dedicated... but this did not last long. I loved my time with Kaci/Mad- learning more about their lives and sharing mine with them. Running and Jesus really bonded us!
July: In the middle of this month, we had our youth summer "missions trip" right here in our city, Columbus. We traveled 10 minutes to the other side of town and worked alongside a church in an urban part of town. It was an incredible week of laboring alongside brothers and sisters with dark skin! It was awesome to do service work here at home. Watching our teens and volunteers love on the people of "Bibb City" was so heart-warming. As our leader Zach stated, "we are not fixed people coming to minister to broken people. We are broken people coming to love on other broken people." It was a hot (90s) week and most of our time was spent outside doing lawn care and kids club (a vbs type schedule each night). I was challenged a lot that week as God revealed to me how much my time and choices are idols. I want to be in control of when I get up, what and when I eat, what temperature I hang out in, who I sleep next to. I got to choose none of that... and it was so good for my selfish self. Ain't nothin' more humbling that sleeping 8 deep in a tent with teen girls who haven't showered in 3 days. Bonding at it's finest. :) At the very end of this month, I went to a fitness conference in Atlanta. There I got certified to teach Zumba. I also took over 20 classes within the weekend and learned a lot of great work-outs to use once I start personal training. While there, I got to meet up with a sweet friend, Nobie Ennis for dinner at Chipotle. It was great to catch up with her! The next night, my inlaws and husband drove to Atl to eat dinner at P.F. Changs with me. Good eats, good workouts. Happy girl.
August:At the beginning of this month I got a memorable call from my little sister informing me that she is pregnant! I couldn't be more excited to meet Jaxson in mid-April! I know Kirstie will be a great mom and God will teach her so much. (my time will come someday...Lord willing) Until then... Aunt Danelle & Uncle D.R. will love that little guy!
This month we celebrated 5 years of marriage! D.R. took me to dinner at a local steakhouse and then we brought a bottle of wine back to the apartment and watched a movie. I can't believe it's already been 5 years. So thankful for my God-fearing, handsome husband. The day after our anniversary, we left for a week long trip to Myrtle Beach, SC for DR to attend a continuing education conference. I attended the school of sand and shells for the week. No, I studied up for my upcoming Personal Training school...but I did sleep in, eat a delightful breakfast, take runs in pretty nearby beach communities, and get prettied up for a dinner date with my man every night. It was rough. We were blessed to get to celebrate our 5 years all on the Army's dime since DR was required to go. Lots of twisting of the arm.
This month, we also said goodbye to two of our dear friends, Zach & Chelsey Smith. Zach got accepted to medical school in Atlanta. We are so proud of him but bummed that they had to move. They are definitely heart friends. You know....the kind that you tell your crap to cause you know they love you. The kind that you wanna vacation with. I miss them but they will always be near and dear to us.
Oh, and I went back to being a brunette. Crucial piece of information.
September: This month we went on a marriage retreat put on by the Chaplain at D.R.'s job. It was a refreshing weekend with D.R. We talked a lot- about us, about what we want God to do in our hearts, how we can better serve and love each other. It was a great couple days in Panama City Beach.
D.R. traveled to San Antonio, TX for his OBLC (Ofc. Basic Leadership Course) for trauma and deployment readiness. He did some crazy stuff which I am unauthorized to share. Let's just say, he got a very real taste of what it would be like overseas in a war zone. At the end of his training week, I flew out and joined him for a long weekend. San Antonio is a neat city. Lots of fun tex-mex restaurants, the river running throughout the downtown, the strung white lights and Latin music everywhere you go. Plus they had one of the hugest (is that a word?) Forever XXI I've ever seen! It took over a department store in the local mall. I was in shock. D.R. graciously dropped me off there for a couple hours while he went to Best Buy, local boot stores and did other man-activities. We got to meet up with our friends, Nate & Delaney Trimble for a day of sight-seeing and shopping.
October: I know it seems like we went on a lot of trips....because we did. This month we went on a mountain getaway in Blue Ridge, GA. It's become a McNew tradition to go to this spot. We love it. Beautiful trails to hike, quaint shops and restaurants, and breath-taking views from the cabin porch. It's a weekend of relaxation. My mother in law and I went on a 3 hour hike while the boys watched the GA game. I love me some dawgs but they missed out! We found a beautiful waterfall. It was a sweet time with her. I have a great relationship with my m.i.l. She gets me. I am blessed.
I also started my Personal Training Certification at Columbus State University and finished up in mid-November. I am currently working towards my practical internship hours. I am loving it!
November: Not much before Thanksgiving so I'll jump to that. We went to Ringgold and had a great time with D.R.'s family. Family, football, pumpkin pie, 8k turkey trot, black Friday shopping, family Rave Movie night (to see Skyfall:007- great!) The last night of our trip, we had a farewell party for D.R. Many of his childhood friends came. It meant so much to D.R. to reconnect with these friends and family and to be sent off knowing he's loved and prayed for.
December: D.R. & I took a long bike ride. I've been wanting to do that for a while now and the weather was perfect. 55- a little cold for D.R.'s liking but I thought it was great! We were wiped after! Got a pizza and enjoyed the rest of the night. That was a special date. On the 7th, I dropped D.R. off at Ft. Benning and kissed him goodbye for 5-6 months. My heart was in my chest the rest of the day but I knew that God was on our side. We are going to make it through this time. He made it safely within 4 days of travel and settled into his new routine over there. We were able to talk on FaceTime every couple days which was incredible! On the 15th, the dog & I packed up and drove down to Boynton Beach for almost 3 weeks. It was a great trip. So relaxing and comforting to be with mom, dad, Kirstie, Aaron, Buddy & Granny. Christmas was not as sad as I thought it might be. I think because I was surrounded by loving family, I didn't dwell on my husband being a world away in a war zone. New Years Eve was hard. We went to Carrabba's (mom, dad & I) and then went to Atlantic Ave to meet up with the Shoe family and walk around. Couple kissing everywhere. No one seemed to be able to wait until midnight. I was super sad. I was super mad at the Army for a few moments. We left after about an hour and went to the Shoe's house to watch the ball drop and make smores. D.R. called me on FaceTime at 11:58 and we watched the fireworks outside together- We rang in the New Years "together". It was special. And sad.
It's already been more than a month. 4-5 more ahead of us. I am tired of being husbandless. I'm tired of cooking dinner for one person every night. I miss him. Sometimes champ sits down and stares at the recliner for a while. I think he wonders where that man went.
The first half of 2013 will be spend apart from my husband. The Lord will sustain us. He will keep us faithful. He is the lifter of my head. He is my provider, my shepherd, my shield. I know He has good in store for us. I trust Him and I'm so thankful that I have butterflies in my stomach when I see D.R. calling....
speaking of!! Happy MLK Jr. Day friends. Hope you all get a day of rest tomorrow.
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