Singing in the Rain

Earlier this week we had some very strong thunderstorms blow through right around day break.  My dogs wanted out to potty so I went to the back door to let them out. Sheets of rain, thunder, flashes of lightening and strong winds convinced them to turn back around and they ran for my bed where I found them hiding under my blanket. What really caught my attention during all of this is that despite all the craziness outside and how my dogs reacted, there was also a symphony of very happy birds chirping loud enough I could hear them even before I opened my door. I have contemplated these events all week and here's my point to this story...We can act like my dogs, run and hide under the blankets when strong storms come into our lives OR we can sing praises to our Heavenly Father despite the storms! You see the birds were enjoying the rain and they knew the storm and all it's craziness was going to end soon. We need to remember that know matter what the storms are like we are going through they will end and if we sing unto the Lord through the storms not only will we have more peace during the storms but we will have grown closer to Him rather than farther way!

Changes

So many changes going on within side of me.  Went to the doc the other and nothing says welcome to old age as being told, "You're in peri-menopause."   Oh okay well that does explain a bunch of things.  I am dealing with a variety of things and I have to share that I do not like it one bit.  I have been sidelined when it comes to losing weight.  Mentally I am just not there, thrown off track and fighting to get back on.  Thankful I have not gained the weight back but it seems like every time I think ok this is the day I get back into the swing of things I get hit again.
   Last week I was sorting laundry, stood up and out went my back.  Not having insurance and not being able to afford it hinders my willingness and gumption to go seek out help.  So I go to the one person I know that can heal me and that is my Lord Jesus!  I know no matter what I am facing physically, mentally or spiritually He is there.  I have been dealing with panic attacks and after talking with my doctor decided that meds were in order to get them in control.  UGH!  It is embarrassing!  I never know when they will hit or what has been causing them.  But after talking to a few of my friends they are all saying this is part of this stage of my life.  Well isn't that just lovely.  Who knew that our hormones controlled so many things!!!!
   Lord I trust in your design of my body and trust that you will regulate the hormones within.  Help me walk through this season with grace and healing.  Amen

Just Keep Swimming....

Oh YES!  This definitely describes what I am going through. Well the talking myself into it deal.  I am proud to say that I am pushing myself to do more.  I am not giving up or giving in!  Going to keep fighting to lose this weight.  Just gotta get the sweets out of my diet again.  Get back to the bare essentials again.  Cut the carbs, cut the calories again.  Feel like I have definitely hit another wall but I am not about to give up.

Being Persistent

Slow going but going.  That is how the turtle wins right?!  UGH!  I do feel like a turtle.  I am realizing that my speed bump wasn't just a bump but a hole, that has affected not only my physical movement but also my mental movement.  What do I mean?  Well before my back decided to freak out on me I mentally was pushing forward no matter what.  But since my back has gotten better my mental "push forward don't give up" thought process just has not been all that great.  I literally am having to "be PERSISTENT" in pushing forward.  I have to remind myself to go work out and not just work out (do as little as possible) but really WORKOUT (push through the pain).  The pain I am talking about isn't pain caused by injury but pain caused by a good work out.

   So here is to being persisstent!  Don't give up, don't give in, going to keep fighting and win!

One Word Challenge

For the last few years I have chosen a word to focus on and this year my word is:

The root word of persistence is persist.  One meaning of persist is to go on resolutely or stubbornly in spite of opposition. The origin of the word according to Merriam-Webster...

         Latin persistere, from per- + sistere to take a stand, stand firm

I love that!  "To take a stand, stand firm!"  Yep that is what I am gonna do this year with the journey to a healthy life spiritually and physically - healthy weight.  I shall reach my goals and strive towards what God has for me personally and as a family.

What is your word of focus for the year?