Jan 14

Where is the balance?

balanceJanuary 14, 2016

All of the New Year resolutions swirling about and so many great and wonderful ideas of how to make it all happen. I am the type that wants to dive in head first and make it all happen yesterday. So how do I work towards everything? Get simple – Balance!

With my neurological challenges – balance isn’t just difficult physically, it shows up across all areas of my life – literally everywhere. Black and white all-or-nothing thinking can stifle and squelch any dream, goal, plan, or vision of any size.

To bring about balance, what is it I am looking for? The definition makes it sound easy:

an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady; a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions; keep or put something in a steady position so that it does not fall.

It will be interesting to see how balance unfolds with all of my free time … And in case you are curious, my hubby loves to stack things and we tried to build a bridge like this once.  He said if my hands were more steady it would have worked – I personally think super glue would have helped a lot more than steadying my hands.

Jan 13

So Much Free Time

dog in hammockJanuary 13, 2016

Anyone that has every seen my schedule knows that it is color coded and most every block of time is accounted for.  I make time for everything from quiet time to home maintenance and management to workouts to time with friends and family.  There is time for being with people and time for solitude.

A little over a year ago, when Thad and I were living at a hotel, we realized just how busy we were and how little margin we had in our life.  It’s not that we were doing bad stuff – it was all actually really good – there was just too much of it.  So we started putting in boundaries and blocking off time for us!

Today, I went through and cleared all of the time I had blocked off for various things I did for Shelter on the average week.  My schedule looked empty and I felt panicked.  I also felt more than a little crazy …. so I got up to get some water and to take a break.  On the way to the kitchen, I passed my craft closet and paused.  I got my water, went back to my calendar and smiled.  I think I know how to use some of that newly created free time.

Jan 12

Let Go and See

let go and seeJanuary 12, 2016

There comes a time in life when holding on to something keeps your hands too full for the next thing God wants to give you. For the past 5 years, I have been blessed to lead in and serve the women in Shelter at Watermark Community Church. I’ve been blessed by a front row seat to the healing transformations God was doing in the lives of women who, like me, have been sexually abused or assaulted.

During this time, God was also doing a mighty work in my marriage. He taught my husband to lead and love well and he taught me to joyfully surrender, submit and truly be a helper.

Today I officially let go of my directional team position at Shelter to be able to fully serve with Thad. It is bittersweet letting go, though I know God is opening up a whole new era in our lives as we work together, grow together and serve together. I’m excited to see what happens next!

Jan 11

Killing my Comfort Zone

Comfort Zone Quotes - A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there

January 11, 2016

When I went through life coach training, we talked a lot about our comfort zone.  It is my safe place.  Everything is known.  I can maintain the illusion of control and pretend that everything is fantastic.

In reality, my comfort zone is cramped and stagnant.  The air is still and it is hard to breathe. The thought of leaving my comfort zone is still terrifying.  What is out there?  Is it safe?  Will I get hurt?  Will I fail? Every fear that I have ever experienced all comes rushing out of me in a single thought – and I am faced with a decision.  Will I let my feelings determine my reality?

Over the past few years with the help of my hubby and my friends, my comfort zone has been torn down little by little.  Some of the destruction of the “safety shrine” I created in my mind was easy to give up while other areas were more of a struggle.  There has been a ton of change in the past year, and tonight is my last night to go to bed with my comfort zone fully intact.

It is time to fully step into the new unknown.  My heart is pounding.  My hands are shaking.  My eyes are watering.  And some where deep inside, I know my safety net is God alone.  I can stand on His truth and His promises. His Grace is Sufficient!

Jan 10

Big Scary Life-changing Prayers

praying womanJanuary 10, 2016

Nothing like a big even to zero in on what you want and why!  I have a very good life … and I know that I was made for more!  Ephesians 2:10 tells me I am God’s masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus, to do the good things He planned for me long ago.  When Thad and I took time to really talk today, it hit us both that we are playing small and not fully stepping into what God wants us to do as a Husband and Wife team.  God will completely transform us, our marriage, our life and our service, it we let Him.

So now we pray.

Jan 09

Vegas, Here We Come

vegasJanuary 9, 2016

Today was Super Saturday for Plexus.  Outside of annual convention, it is the largest training that our corporate office puts on for its ambassadors.  Nothing like a day filled with incredible training and education that motivates, inspires, and energizes all who attend! They unveiled a brand-new Success Kit chock-full of everything an Ambassador needs to build a solid business, from Day One to the highest rank of Diamond Ambassador!

At the end of the day – registration opened for our annual convention at the MGM in Las Vegas.  6 months after last year’s convention in Phoenix we ranked up to Gold – and momentum is on our side!  I can’t wait to see where the next 6 months takes us!  Registration complete.  Hotel room reserved.  Airfare purchased.  Vegas, Here We Come!

Jan 08

Clean eating takes preparation

veggies January 8, 2016

We have had the goal of clean healthy eating in the past and it always felt too hard or too expensive. This year – we are starting with a Facebook group of over 400 people sharing tips, ideas and encouragement.

A collective group really can make a huge difference in mindset and my belief of what is possible. I am getting great recipes, quick meal ideas, encouragement and a little humor too. one of the best tips so far – plan for a week then buy and prep everything on one single day.  We shall see how it goes! My sincere hope and prayer is this is the start of new habits and simplicity in healthy eating for the long haul.

 

Jan 07

Starting the Whole30 Challenge

whole 30January 7, 2016

Today is our official start date!

For the next 30 days:

no sugar, no grains, no beans, no dairy, and no alcohol

I am going to clean house so to speak. I will eat food mostly the way God made it.  This will include lots of fruits, veggies, nuts, eggs, and a variety of meats.  Loads of yumminess is heading my way!

Jan 06

Physically fit or pfft

whitneyJanuary 6, 2016

Today was my first day back to Camp Gladiator in several weeks and 5:15a came so early … I never thought I would miss Whitney, our lead trainer – but I did miss her over the holidays.  She knows her stuff and is really making a difference in my life.  She can kick my heiny to the moon and back without really trying! And I can still celebrate. I was able to do more and hang longer than when I first started – there is improvement and I know there is still a long way to go.  She is helping me dig to a new level of fitness that I didn’t know existed … it will be fun to see where I am in September after a full year.

I never considered what my body could or couldn’t do. The lingering thought of “it will just happen” gave me a false sense of security. I completed triathlon’s up to the Olympic distance and ran a half marathon and felt great in the accomplishment … now 3 years out from a life changing medical crisis, celebrations and gratitude prevails at what others consider minor accomplishments … my bonus four words today – Never ever compare yourself!

 

Jan 05

Determine What is Important

 

psalm-46-10January 5, 2016

Time to Be still and listen to what God says is most important … time to get my priorities in line. He gives me 24 hours in each day and I want to use them well!