Celebrate x 2

The birthday kids. The sticky note has his name on. I didn't want him to feel left out.

Me and my hubby...sweet man that he is.

Seeing as how I share a birthday with a friend of ours, it only seemed right to have him over to join us in celebrating my birthday, which is his birthday too. Therefore, to celebrate our birthday. Got that? On a side note, my cousin Jim celebrated his birthday yesterday as well, but he doesn't live in the same state, so, sadly, he couldn't join in on the fun cake. Besides, our friend's family is out of town and I do not believe anyone should have to spend their birthday alone. We started the night with a healthy dinner of pizza and then moved on to the ice cream cake. Andy listened and heard my request! We had ourselves one very delicious cookies 'n' cream cake! Mmmmm! Luckily, he ordered a very small one, which equaled less consumption. Smart man.

This morning our daughter slept until 8:40 (she usually gets up at 7!) and we found ourselves rushing to get to our picture session for our church directory. Once we got home, I took off for a little "me" time and retail therapy. I had my allowance in hand and knew what I was looking for. I had forgotten what it's like to go through a store at my own pace, without worrying about anyone's schedule but my own. The fact there was a huge sale going on just made my time there that much better. It was a relaxing time, despite the crowds and the swarms of people who seem to have forgotten how to fully dress themselves. Being summer, I suppose I should just be ready for such madness. But really, ick.

This evening we spent some time with great friends of ours. They grilled some burgers, we had some fruit, and there was yet another cake involved. Our children played, mine went nuts due to being tired, and we came home. Even in the midst of my child's meltdowns, it was good to be in the presence of our friends.

And somehow, I am now feeling completely wiped out. No late nights, no partying, and still, I am one tired girl. Oh well, so it goes for us old people. HA! As long as there is laughter, I will feel young. And friends, there is a lot of laughter going on in my house. *smile*

FOCUS

And, here I am:

Happy (almost) birthday...to me!

Tomorrow, I will be 34, another year older. As goofy as it sounds, I swear I should only be somewhere around 25. I remember that age, and I do not remember ever feeling as good as I do now, and I know for a fact I was not as healthy as I am now. Funny how time is a blessed thing to some while others bemoan it. Being only slightly wiser and not at all more mature, my perspectives on life have changed a bit, my attitude towards it all has changed a bit, and I have changed, more than a bit.

The last year of my life, wow. First and foremost, my daughter was born. She is a hysterical blend of my humor and Andy's, and she is quite content to dance the day away. She is quickly becoming my wisest teacher and example of how to approach life: with joy, laughter, enthusiasm, and a song in my heart.

Life has definitely changed over the past year, and these changes are bringing about inward revelations, welcome and unwelcome. However, I am also learning to let things go a little quicker, and that to change the world I should focus more on changing me. This year of life will find me more grounded, more content, and stronger (in all ways).

What are my big plans for my birthday? Not.a.thing. The only thing I know for sure is I will start my day at my usual 5am locale, wrapped in a game of ultimate frisbee. I do not know if we will go out to eat for dinner, order in, or just throw together sandwiches. When asked what I wanted for my birthday, I told my husband Merry Maids. No lie. I want baseboards, windows, floors, and everything in between scrubbed so well our house shines. (I guess that is where the truth in my age lies, my present request.) I am in need of nothing, and I already have all I could ever want.

Another year older? No problem. Life just keeps getting sweeter.

WFW-Matthew 16:26

WFW-Matthew 16:26
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Matthew 16:26
"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

In our land of opportunity, and plenty, and let's face it, overindulgence, I think this is a good reminder. The stuff does not matter, the titles, the plaques, the awards. In comparison to the heavenly kingdom, and our place therein, all the "things" should have such little importance.

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit the 160 acre woods.

Memorial Day

To those who have served, are serving, or will serve one day...I thank you.

To the families of those who have served, are serving, or will one day serve....I thank you.

For those who have had their loved ones leave for battle, and were never able to welcome them home, I thank you. You are the true heroes.

Thank you for your sacrifices, for your willingness to serve, and for your desire to do so. I pray you are having a wonderful Memorial Day.

What's stopping you?

AdvoCare is creating entreprenuers daily, changing lives, and allowing people to live life on their own terms. What's stopping you?

It's Back

Oh happy day happy day! Tonight begins, my favorite show! Actually, it is the only reality show I will watch. Hooray.....get those dancin' shoes ready!

WFW - Children

WFW - Children
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come tom e, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Matthew 19:14

I am currently reading a book entitled unChristian by David Kinnaman. It is an enlightening, and humbling book. However, I am thankful for it. The views people have of the church are saddening, though I understand where it comes from. As I was reading yesterday, I thought of this picture. If we continue "taking the world for Christ" as we do now, faith will be like this playground, barren and empty. There will be no one diving in and enjoying its fruits. We will be left with a desolate and lost world..

As they write in the book, "Christianity must reverse its current image and become dynamic, genuine, and real. If we can prevent the message from being watered down by casual Christians, outsiders will begin to experience believers who have been (and are being) transformed by their faith and who are working in humble and respectful ways to transform the culture."

I heard on the radio that some "christian" group was going to buy up tickets to see the movie Angels and Demons. Once inside, they planned on causing a large commotion to prohibit others from watching the movie. Get a clue people. This will only get you kicked out, make people think you are complete idiots, and do even more damage to the already disintegrating idea others have of Christians. Instead, go watch the movie, pay attention, and when others bring it up, have your opinions properly, and respectfully, formed as to why you did or did not agree, and even reference the Bible if you must.

We also need to work with our young people better. While discussing transformation, the book's author says the following, "We are learning one of the primary reasons that ministry to teenagers fails to produce a lasting faith is because they are not taught to think.....Young people desperately need to be taught to process the rich complexities of life, to probe and test and stretch their faith fromt he perspective of a Christ follower."

Some days, I am reminded that God's people still have very far to go, and we still have so much to learn.

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit the 160 acre woods.

Girl Power

I just love when a girl beats a field of boys....even if we are talking horses.

Rachel Alexandra, the first filly to win the Preakness in 85 years, who won from further outside (post 13) than any horse in Preakness history, who willingly gunned into a blistering early pace, outran one colt (Big Drama) who had the rail and cooked another (Friesan Fire) who sat a perfect trip behind her most of the way.

There's no denying Rachel Alexandra is a brilliant racehorse, one who needs no disclaimer for her gender. But, after a string of overwhelming performances against fillies capped by her awe-inspiring effort in the Oaks, Rachel only did what was expected of her in the Preakness.

Click here for the full article.

Hope

While discussing the book of Titus yesterday in ATI, we focused in on Titus 2:11-13 and 3:3-7. We focused in on the words Grace, Hope, Kindness, and really zeroed in on the word "hope." Stop for a moment, and think on it. It's a very "churchy" word isn't it? We use it, often, in an array of ways. "We must have hope! Hope in the Lord! We hope for..." It goes on. But, what does it really mean? We were each asked to give our own definition of hope. Here are a few of the answers:

• expectation of future good


• looking forward, awaiting future promises


• have to go through the storm to get to the better

Kristi then gave us a few scriptures that discuss hope, and I do believe I should share them with you. Enjoy. No matter where you are today, what kind of state you are in, I pray for the hope of our Savior to meet you where you are.

Psalm 62:5-6: My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.

Psalm 147:11: The LORD favors those who fear Him, Those who hope in His lovingkindness.

Isaiah 40:28-31: Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who hope in the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.

Romans 15:4: For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 5:5: and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Hebrews 6:19-20: This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

And, there are others in need of hope. Head on over here, and leave a prayer for a woman in need of a miracle. Join her prayer chain.

Word Filled Wednesday

John 3:30
Originally uploaded by chelled.

He must increase, but I must decrease.
John 3:30

What a powerful, short scripture. If each one of us practiced this, consistently and daily, I wonder how differently our world would look.

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit the 160 acre woods.

Tangent, of sorts

Tired of hearing about the war? Fighting? Terrorism? Yea, me too, but I am going to write about them anyway.

None of us like war, I think we can agree on that. However, let us take a gander at history. Shall we? Let's have a little looks-ey into the past and see what we can see. Oh, what's that? Wars, fights, struggles, no peace? Hmmm, and if history repeats itself and we can learn something from history....

Let's face it, peace is not possible. When so many different types of people live on this earth, some holding onto values and beliefs they are willing to die for, it seems natural (to my simple brain at least) that when those values and beliefs are challenged, there is going to be a brawl. Some things are too important to allow to pass by the wayside, and they cannot be discussed in a calm and rational, "my turn, now your turn" type of manner. I am not sure there is a time in history there has ever happened.

Now listen closely, I am not saying we should disrespect and slander people. I am saying that as long as there are multiple people groups on this earth clinging tightly to their own belief system, there is opportunity for trouble. Much like the fact we cannot be whatever we want as long as we work hard enough (ex: no matter how often I sing, I'm not going to cut any records soon. I can work hard at it, but friends, it's just not my gift. I may love to sing, love the idea of singing for the masses, but no one is coming to this concert. Go ahead, ask anyone who's stood by me at church, they'll confirm this fact); we cannot all just get along.

We are each passionate about something in this life. When we sense our passion is being pushed aside or made to feel like it is meaningless, we rage. Everyone in their own way, but we do all rage.

I also find how people discuss it to be offensive, especially to those whose family members are serving in one of the military branches. I would just love to hear those who discuss wars being useless and silly to the wife who just lost her husband and the kids whose father won't be coming back. Go ahead, tell them their sacrifice is for nothing. I'll just stand back and see if that peace-keeping treaty works out for you.

Let me be clear, I personally do not like wars and the losses endured because of them. I am very thankful for those who choose to fight, those who serve and do the duties assigned to them without complaint. Thank you. I wish we lived in a world that this did not happen, but the fact of the matter is, we do, and we will as long as we are here.

***For this post, especially because I have family in the military and because a highschool friend's husband died in the war two years ago, I will be monitoring comments closely. If you leave a comment, and it gets deleted, just know that I had reasons (mainly to protect the above individuals), and that I warned you. *grin*

Can we do that again?

This past Mother's Day weekend was incredible! This time last year, I was still recovering from a c-section, but was treated well on my first Mother's Day. What a difference a year makes!

I started the weekend with yet another crazy workout at 6am. Most sane normal people would rather sleep in. Not me. The workout was a wonderful challenge, yet I managed to completely enjoy every bit of it! That afternoon, I finally used a gift certificate for a massage I have had since my daughter's birth. A former client of mine gave it to me along with a gift for our girl, and I was happy to "cash in" on it. The massage was absolutely incredible! Although, I still don't know if it was the actual massage, or the fact the room was dark and had only quiet music playing that made me enjoy that hour so much. Regardless, I loved every minute of it! Upon my return, little one's God-parents, who were in town for a wedding, came to visit. They have adopted two boys in the last year, and it was such a delight to see how God has given them such a beautiful increase.

Rather than fight large crowds Sunday, we went out to dinner Saturday night. We headed out to a small, local grille, and the food was delicious! We also found out our kid loves herself a grilled cheese sandwich. We even caught a little bit of the live music scheduled for the night, and that certainly had our girl dancing. It was nice, very nice.

After church yesterday, we came home and rested. We were able to enjoy Saturday night's leftovers, and then had a quiet day together. For a nice change of pace, there was no rain falling, so we got to enjoy a walk outside. The whole day was wonderful!

Now to figure out where the replay button is so I can go back and do it all again.

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's day to all the moms out there, and especially, to my own mother. Mom, thanks for being amazing. I love you, you are an incredible woman, and the best mom a girl could have. Thanks for being such a great example, my daughter is reaping the rewards of how you chose to parent me, although, I'm not half as good at it...yet. And yes, I know, I wish we were close too. Love you Mommy.

Mom and Me, blinded by the sun

Mom and her granddaughter

A new kind of fun

Because our early morning workouts aren't exciting enough, here's what's awaiting us:

About TACFIT®
TACFIT® was created by “Flow Coach” Scott Sonnon as his signature cascade of power and flow, a 26 Program Array from Alpha to Zulu, each program named after a letter in the NATO phonetic alphabet. Each program lasts only 20 minutes, but has the metabolic fat-burning equivalent of 4 hours of conventional cardio training.

Each movement in the Program has four stages or levels, which incrementally progress in sophistication, so the movement is always doable and challenging regardless of whether you are an elite athlete or have never worked out a day in your life! The stages are:

Delta for those completely new to fitness,
Gamma for the people who have been practicing TACFIT® for a few weeks,
Beta for the brave folks who have been training for a few months,
Alpha is strictly for bragging rights, requiring you to have the right combination of character flaws to want to do it.

Boing boing boing

My mind has been all over the place lately. Some days, my thoughts have me happy and excited, and others, I would just prefer to be alone with my thoughts. I never know what each day is going to bring, nor what side of the spectrum I will be on. This is not really my choice in adventures either, I prefer the middle ground, happily balanced between the two places.

My husband has been attending a finance class at church. It has been, and continues to be, a great experience and learning tool. He is enjoying it, and comes home eager to share everything. This class is showing him how to better set a budget and how we should set up our goals, etc. He has had the vision, and now the "how" is being worked out. We sat down to discuss our budget the other night. It was actually rather enjoyable, very to the point, but it also lead to conversations about so many other things. However, we are now on the same page and are working on the details of the budget and implementing it. I personally just like the security it provides.

One of the discussions that was brought up concerns children. Do we have more? When? You know, those types of things. Let me just say, that my views would be drastically different if I were in my 20s, or had just entered my 30s. This is an area that we sometimes do not see eye to eye on because he is the youngest of 6 and all of his siblings have 3 or more children. I am the youngest of 2. Needless to say, we have vastly different points of reference. It is hard to explain some of how I feel simply because he is not home day in and day out with our girl. It is different, very different, then anything I have ever known or expected. The best I could come up with is that there are times I feel like there is a part of me that has just laid down and gone to sleep, and there are days I want that part awake and active. This, like so many times in life, is a season. It will not last forever, and I know that. But, can I just get a collective "amen" from the stay at home moms out there that staying at home, though a gift, is also very.stinking.hard?

In all honesty, I have never thought I would have just one child. The idea of being home with two though? WOW. My mind really bounces around on that one. There are moments the thought makes me smile, and others that it makes me tremor a bit. Where did that leave us? We will try for baby #2, and see what God has. Even if we do have another child, we are still discussing adopting at some point as well. What can I say? The script really changes when I am not the one going through the pregnancy. *smile*

AdvoCare was also a big topic for us. I am so ready for this business to take off. I have registered for a business expo scheduled for July, and am getting so excited. Last year 3000 people showed up to the expo, which gives me great hope in the doors this can open up. My gut instinct tells me this is going to be well worth it, although explaining a decision to a man on a mission to set up a budet based on a feeling was a bit of a challenge. More than anything, I am beyond ready to help others meet their own physical and financial goals! AdvoCare is the avenue I have found that can, and will, do both.

And now, if someone could explain to me how it is that I have my thoughts organized and ready to go then sit down at the computer and they become jumbled and random, that would be great. So it goes when one has ever bouncing thoughts I guess.

Wonderfully Made

Wonderfully Made
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Psalm 139:14
I will give thanks unto thee; For I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Wonderful are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.

My prayer today, everyday really, is that my daughter knows her value, knows her worth, by the standards of her heavenly Father. I pray she knows early in her life that she is a beautiful, wonderful creation of the Mastor Creator. I pray she sees herself through the eyes of Him and not the eyes of our jaded society. I pray she knows Him and knows Him well. And, I pray that anyone reading this knows that you ARE fearfully and wonderfully made.

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit the 160 acre woods.

Welcome toddler-hood

We celebrated our girl's first birthday this past Saturday, and I must say, it was quite a fun afternoon! We were surrounded by great friends, the best cupcakes ever (made by our friends Chris and Natalie), and had a wonderful time. Now to see what the year ahead brings us and our sweet girl.

The reason we should be committed you should pray for our girl

Our girl the conductor The most amazing cupcakes ever!
Learning some tunes on the piano

The big 01

My sweet girl turns one today. My my, how time does fly! Happy birthday beautiful girl.