The first one should be blogging more, can I get a what what. 😉
Seriously though, I needed to start this year off with a list of things I could focus on this year, worthwhile things, a checklist of sorts. After a busy end to 2013, including a trip overseas, illness, holiday travels and celebrations, and realizing I spend way too much time watching TV and playing games on my iPad, I felt compelled to put my time in 2014 to better use by concentrating on the following:
✏️Drink more water.
You think that would be easy, but I rarely get enough water in a day.
✏️Read at least 25 new books.
I used to read like it was going out of style. I need to get back to that.
✏️Take some time to pamper me.
Skin care, kept nails, learn new makeup tips, update my wardrobe, healthy and consistent diet and exercise, floss, etc.
✏️Try something new.
This is meant to be a mindset as much as a single event. I don't want fear to hold me back. Faith in God and fear of man/circumstances can't coexist.
✏️Read the Bible chronologically.
I've never done this before. Looking forward to reading through the One Year Chronological Bible.
✏️Memorize at least 12 verses or passages of Scripture.
A spiritual discipline I need to improve at.
✏️Finish at least 1 craft project and 1 house project.
A big craft project, like the t-shirt quilt I've been planning to make for a year, or paint more canvases, etc. Our house is one giant project, but I'm going to try to get at least one solid project completed, like painting the den, or refinishing the kitchen walls.
✏️Learn and memorize at least 2 new piano pieces.
I've been horribly lax at this since college.
✏️Learn basic German.
Something I've half started and been wanting to do forever.
So there they are! The plan is to update the blog with progress of each goal throughout the year and hopefully by this time next year, they'll all be accomplished! Stay tuned!
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Monday, September 24, 2012
Reflection
I've started reading through Kay Arthur's Lord, I Want to Know You again as part of my Bible study each morning. Inscribed on the first page of my copy is the date of the last time I read through this book, August 2007. As I'm reading about God's character, and specifically His sovereignty, I can't help but smile at the thoughts and reflections I recorded 5 years ago. How I was struggling with college and my relationship with my parents, how I longed for a dating relationship with the person He had for me, how I struggled with body image.
Looking back, 5 years seems so short. Sure, 5 years from now seems like forever, although time feels like it's getting faster the older I get, but viewing them in hindsight, 5 years are a mere fleeting moment.
I'm overwhelmed this morning with all God has done in 5 years. I not only survived college, I thrived there, and enjoyed every minute of it. I started dating my now husband, got engaged, got married, and have already celebrated a 2 year anniversary! I got a job doing what I love, going on my third year now. We bought a house, we got a cat, I went from 0 cars to 2, I have a great relationship with my family and new extended family, I'm healthier than I've ever been, we have a great church family, friends...and the list can go on and on and on.
Oh praise HIM for His perfect plan and timing, His sovereignty, and His many blessings! And may this strengthen my faith to trust Him for the next 5 years so that when I come again to this book, I can look back and rejoice even more at all He has done.
Praise Him!
Looking back, 5 years seems so short. Sure, 5 years from now seems like forever, although time feels like it's getting faster the older I get, but viewing them in hindsight, 5 years are a mere fleeting moment.
I'm overwhelmed this morning with all God has done in 5 years. I not only survived college, I thrived there, and enjoyed every minute of it. I started dating my now husband, got engaged, got married, and have already celebrated a 2 year anniversary! I got a job doing what I love, going on my third year now. We bought a house, we got a cat, I went from 0 cars to 2, I have a great relationship with my family and new extended family, I'm healthier than I've ever been, we have a great church family, friends...and the list can go on and on and on.
Oh praise HIM for His perfect plan and timing, His sovereignty, and His many blessings! And may this strengthen my faith to trust Him for the next 5 years so that when I come again to this book, I can look back and rejoice even more at all He has done.
Praise Him!
Friday, September 14, 2012
Childlike Faith
Yesterday afternoon during six year old G's lesson, we heard the siren of an emergency vehicle pass by on the road outside. We paused for a moment and before we started back into learning a new song, G looked up at me and asked, "Can we pray? I always pray when I hear a siren." Touched by his heartfelt compassion, I invited him to lead us in prayer. He bowed his little blonde head and prayed, "Dear God, if that was an ambulance, please help the person inside who is sick. If that was a fire engine, please help the firemen who are rushing to help the people in need. And thank you for the policemen who catch the robbers. Amen."
In this brief moment of an everyday lesson, I was challenged and encouraged by the clear picture of G's childlike faith in his Father God. It reminded me that I always need to come to my Father no matter what the situation, no matter where I am, trusting that He hears and will answer.
In this brief moment of an everyday lesson, I was challenged and encouraged by the clear picture of G's childlike faith in his Father God. It reminded me that I always need to come to my Father no matter what the situation, no matter where I am, trusting that He hears and will answer.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Healthy Habit Highlight for Friday
Let's face it. You don't always have time to cook healthy meals at home. Sometimes you just have to eat out and even if you're trying to lose weight, you can be successful eating out while losing weight at the same time! So today, I'm going to highlight some of my favorite places where I've been able to eat out successfully.
Fast Food
Chick-fil-a:
One of my favorite places to grab a quick meal, Chick-fil-a has several healthy options. Some of my favorites include the Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich (290 calories, only 4 grams of fat, and 7 Weight Watchers points), the 8-count Chicken Nuggets (260 calories and 7 WW points), the Chargrilled Chicken Garden Salad (only 160 calories, 4 grams of fiber, and only 5 WW points...pair it with 2 tbsp of their Light Italian dressing for 0 WW points), and the Large Chicken Soup (220 calories and 6 WW points). Now what would Chick-fil-a be without Waffle Fries? A small Waffle Fries is 300 calories, 16 grams of fat, and 7 WW points, but as long as you budget for them, go for it! But all in moderation. *smile*
Subway:
What would the world be without the myriad of Subways that line our streets? I love Subway! There are so many healthy options and ways to get in your fruits and veggies. My go to subs are the 6-inch Black Forest Ham on 9-grain Wheat (221 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, and 7 WW points), the 6-inch Turkey Breast on 9-grain Wheat (221 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, and 7 WW points), and the 6-inch Turkey Breast and Black Forest Ham on 9-grain Wheat (221 calories, 4 grams of fat, and 7 WW points). Add cheese to any of these for only 1 WW point, and LOAD UP ON THE VEGGIES. Stay away from the mayo, vinegar and oil, ranch, etc., and opt for spicy brown mustard instead.
Cafe Style
Panera:
Panera is full of delicious breads and pastries, yes, but they also have several healthy salad and soup options. Also, you can get an apple as a side instead of chips or bread. There are so many options to choose from, that I'll only highlight one. Try a You Pick Two combo with All Natural Low Fat Chicken Noodle Soup and a Greek Salad with dressing for a total of 380 calories and 11 WW points.
Dine In
Ruby Tuesday:
On top of their fantastic, fresh Garden Bar (just avoid fatty dressings and pasta salads, etc) that comes with most of their meals, Ruby Tuesday has several meals 500 calories or less! Called their "Fit and Trim Choices", their are vegetarian, seafood, chicken, and steak options. I had the Spaghetti Squash Marinara, which was delicious and filling. I was only able to eat half of my dish, along with a salad from the Garden Bar, so I had healthy leftovers for lunch the next day! And the whole dish was only 6 WW points! Win, win!
It is entirely possible to eat well when you eat out. By making smart choices, checking nutritional information on a restaurant's website beforehand (if possible), and having a game plan/strategy before you step foot in the restaurant, you can enjoy a meal out without blowing your diet!
Fast Food
Chick-fil-a:
One of my favorite places to grab a quick meal, Chick-fil-a has several healthy options. Some of my favorites include the Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich (290 calories, only 4 grams of fat, and 7 Weight Watchers points), the 8-count Chicken Nuggets (260 calories and 7 WW points), the Chargrilled Chicken Garden Salad (only 160 calories, 4 grams of fiber, and only 5 WW points...pair it with 2 tbsp of their Light Italian dressing for 0 WW points), and the Large Chicken Soup (220 calories and 6 WW points). Now what would Chick-fil-a be without Waffle Fries? A small Waffle Fries is 300 calories, 16 grams of fat, and 7 WW points, but as long as you budget for them, go for it! But all in moderation. *smile*
Subway:
What would the world be without the myriad of Subways that line our streets? I love Subway! There are so many healthy options and ways to get in your fruits and veggies. My go to subs are the 6-inch Black Forest Ham on 9-grain Wheat (221 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, and 7 WW points), the 6-inch Turkey Breast on 9-grain Wheat (221 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, and 7 WW points), and the 6-inch Turkey Breast and Black Forest Ham on 9-grain Wheat (221 calories, 4 grams of fat, and 7 WW points). Add cheese to any of these for only 1 WW point, and LOAD UP ON THE VEGGIES. Stay away from the mayo, vinegar and oil, ranch, etc., and opt for spicy brown mustard instead.
Cafe Style
Panera:
Panera is full of delicious breads and pastries, yes, but they also have several healthy salad and soup options. Also, you can get an apple as a side instead of chips or bread. There are so many options to choose from, that I'll only highlight one. Try a You Pick Two combo with All Natural Low Fat Chicken Noodle Soup and a Greek Salad with dressing for a total of 380 calories and 11 WW points.
Dine In
Ruby Tuesday:
On top of their fantastic, fresh Garden Bar (just avoid fatty dressings and pasta salads, etc) that comes with most of their meals, Ruby Tuesday has several meals 500 calories or less! Called their "Fit and Trim Choices", their are vegetarian, seafood, chicken, and steak options. I had the Spaghetti Squash Marinara, which was delicious and filling. I was only able to eat half of my dish, along with a salad from the Garden Bar, so I had healthy leftovers for lunch the next day! And the whole dish was only 6 WW points! Win, win!
It is entirely possible to eat well when you eat out. By making smart choices, checking nutritional information on a restaurant's website beforehand (if possible), and having a game plan/strategy before you step foot in the restaurant, you can enjoy a meal out without blowing your diet!
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