Naturally, at the top of most people's new year resolutions list is weight loss. It was on mine last year and it is there rearing its ugly head again this year. The good news is that I'm 21 lbs lighter than I was at this time last year! Booyah!! The not-so-good news is that I didn't reach my goal and actually gained a few pounds back near the end of the year. (Stinkin' irresistible Christmas goodies! ;)) BUT I am not discouraged! I will tread on! After all, I'm going for lifestyle changes here, not a temporary quick fix.
I really don't like making New Year's Resolutions. Actually, back up. More accurately, I don't like calling them New Year's Resolutions. I prefer goals...and I make them every year. I just can't help myself. (I'm sure many of you can relate!) Sometimes I keep them but more often I break them...and make them...and break them. It's a very consistent cycle of inconsistency. Every year I tell myself I'm not going to give up and every year I fall short of reaching all my goals but again, I am NOT discouraged! Why?
Profile Description
- Stephanie
- I'm a mother of 3 who started blogging as a way to share our many adventures and to expand beyond the everyday "mommy world". While there IS so much more to us mommies than the title, there is very little that doesn't in some way or another lead us back to or influence our children...if anything. So, I hope you enjoy following our family's randomness, because as all moms know- you can never anticipate what tomorrow will bring! Thanks for visiting and have a blessed day! :)
Showing posts with label spiritual. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spiritual. Show all posts
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Monday, October 8, 2012
Election Fast 2012: Week 1
This week went by so quickly that I barely had time to breathe. Between getting the first newsletter done for my MOPS group, trying to register to vote AND get my license, moving furniture, getting sick, and doing all the other normal things to be done in any given week (dinner, dishes, laundry, etc.), there wasn't much time left to sit and think. So, if you're waiting for the moment when my "spiritual awakening" happened, so am I.
As far as keeping my fast, I haven't had a drop of sweet tea and believe me, I've wanted it. As it would happen, our Wii quit on us so staying away from the television is a temptation that solved itself. Coincidence? ;) The laptop still works but I've used that for "work" during the daylight hours so I've kept my fast in that respect too.
Even in the midst of my busyness and sickness, though, there were moments that reminded me to pray for the election. Like when it was SO easy to register to vote, while getting my driver's license transferred still hasn't happened because I have to show my marriage license to prove I am who I say I am. I've been married for over 9 years! My former state license is in my married name. My social security card is in my married name. Why is that still not enough after 9 years?! I even brought mailed bills addressed to me in (you guessed it) my married name as proof of residency. (Funny enough...you don't need proof of residency to transfer your driver's license in Arkansas. What?!) Yet, I can waltz right into the county clerk's office, fill out an application with only the last four digits of my social security card and leave registered to vote. (Again...What?!) Oh! And note to self: Find marriage license!
In cases like that I'm reminded to pray that any voter fraud be exposed, that it be prevented in the first place, that we can have confidence in a fair election that is unaltered and legitimate in every way. Upon seeing the debate this week, I pray that the truth will win out, lies will be exposed, news coverage would be fair and accurate (miracles have been known to happen ;)), but most of all I pray that God will grant "We, the People", "We, the Voters", "we, HIS people" wisdom and discernment as we cast our ballots. I pray that our future president will fear Him, love Him, obey Him and that God will grant him His wisdom as he leads our country.
Looking ahead, week 2 is liable to be just as busy as this past week. Yet, I'm learning that busy doesn't have to mean "bad" or "less spiritual". Jesus seemed awfully busy to me. The difference is that He took the time to rest and get away when it was needed and I pray I'll do the same. I'm learning conscious awareness of God's presence even in the mundane. Yes, I'm busy. But God is still with me no matter what I'm doing. I can have a conversation or listen to His voice no matter where I am. This is old news to me but this fast is bringing this knowledge to the forefront of my mind and molding it into my everyday life, changing how I react to things and how I interact with others, changing my perspective of "the bigger picture". I will take a break before long and perhaps then I'll have that "spiritual awakening" when it's just me and God. No noise, no chores, no errands, no having to be somewhere 5 minutes ago. Just me. Just God. For now, in the busy between times, I choose to live as just me with God. Wherever I am. :)
As far as keeping my fast, I haven't had a drop of sweet tea and believe me, I've wanted it. As it would happen, our Wii quit on us so staying away from the television is a temptation that solved itself. Coincidence? ;) The laptop still works but I've used that for "work" during the daylight hours so I've kept my fast in that respect too.
Even in the midst of my busyness and sickness, though, there were moments that reminded me to pray for the election. Like when it was SO easy to register to vote, while getting my driver's license transferred still hasn't happened because I have to show my marriage license to prove I am who I say I am. I've been married for over 9 years! My former state license is in my married name. My social security card is in my married name. Why is that still not enough after 9 years?! I even brought mailed bills addressed to me in (you guessed it) my married name as proof of residency. (Funny enough...you don't need proof of residency to transfer your driver's license in Arkansas. What?!) Yet, I can waltz right into the county clerk's office, fill out an application with only the last four digits of my social security card and leave registered to vote. (Again...What?!) Oh! And note to self: Find marriage license!
In cases like that I'm reminded to pray that any voter fraud be exposed, that it be prevented in the first place, that we can have confidence in a fair election that is unaltered and legitimate in every way. Upon seeing the debate this week, I pray that the truth will win out, lies will be exposed, news coverage would be fair and accurate (miracles have been known to happen ;)), but most of all I pray that God will grant "We, the People", "We, the Voters", "we, HIS people" wisdom and discernment as we cast our ballots. I pray that our future president will fear Him, love Him, obey Him and that God will grant him His wisdom as he leads our country.
Looking ahead, week 2 is liable to be just as busy as this past week. Yet, I'm learning that busy doesn't have to mean "bad" or "less spiritual". Jesus seemed awfully busy to me. The difference is that He took the time to rest and get away when it was needed and I pray I'll do the same. I'm learning conscious awareness of God's presence even in the mundane. Yes, I'm busy. But God is still with me no matter what I'm doing. I can have a conversation or listen to His voice no matter where I am. This is old news to me but this fast is bringing this knowledge to the forefront of my mind and molding it into my everyday life, changing how I react to things and how I interact with others, changing my perspective of "the bigger picture". I will take a break before long and perhaps then I'll have that "spiritual awakening" when it's just me and God. No noise, no chores, no errands, no having to be somewhere 5 minutes ago. Just me. Just God. For now, in the busy between times, I choose to live as just me with God. Wherever I am. :)
Monday, April 2, 2012
Preparation for my first 5k! Stride to Prevent Suicide 2012
Ok, I know it's been a long while since my last exercise update. Soooo sorry about that. I'm trying to be more consistent and jump back on the bandwagon...again! I could rattle off a ton of lame excuses, all true but still lame...spring break, company in town, planning a birthday party, family fights the flu. Ok, so maybe at least one of those is not so lame. ;)
Anyway, I just wanted to let all of you know that I am now training for my first 5k! Searcy is hosting a Stride to Prevent Suicide 5k and 1 mile Fun Run/Walk. Justin and I are going to run in honor of my brother, Matthew Austin Seabolt, who most of you know died by suicide on August 13, 2009. If you live in this area and would like to join our team, let me know! If you live out of town and would like to participate as a "Spirit Runner", that would be great too (It comes with a t-shirt)! A team registration saves each individual adult $10 off the registration fee so if you're interested, get your money and registration form to me as soon as possible so I can send them all in together. They are also having a memorial butterfly release which I'm really looking forward to watching. Butterflies and dragonflies carry deeper personal and spiritual meaning for me now. They comfort me when I see them because I feel a closer connection to God and Matt when one catches my eye. My family has released butterflies in Georgia on Matt's angelversary, too, so this is another way to feel closer and more connected with them over so many miles.
Anyway, I just wanted to let all of you know that I am now training for my first 5k! Searcy is hosting a Stride to Prevent Suicide 5k and 1 mile Fun Run/Walk. Justin and I are going to run in honor of my brother, Matthew Austin Seabolt, who most of you know died by suicide on August 13, 2009. If you live in this area and would like to join our team, let me know! If you live out of town and would like to participate as a "Spirit Runner", that would be great too (It comes with a t-shirt)! A team registration saves each individual adult $10 off the registration fee so if you're interested, get your money and registration form to me as soon as possible so I can send them all in together. They are also having a memorial butterfly release which I'm really looking forward to watching. Butterflies and dragonflies carry deeper personal and spiritual meaning for me now. They comfort me when I see them because I feel a closer connection to God and Matt when one catches my eye. My family has released butterflies in Georgia on Matt's angelversary, too, so this is another way to feel closer and more connected with them over so many miles.
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