This is a topic that is near and dear to me. I've never felt an overwhelming pressure but there are many girls out there who have. The world tells girls that we're supposed to be skinny, so what do we do, we kill ourselves to be skinny. Why doesn't the world instead impress upon us the need to be healthy. Not only does it look way better (in my opinion) it would solve so many other problems.
I know some people take the need to be skinny to an extreme, then there are those who don't seem to care at all. I'm saying be healthy no matter what size that comes to. The number on the scale doesn't mean anything.
Like I said I've never felt much pressure, but then again I've always played soccer which has kept me in pretty good shape and now I CrossFit which has me feeling and looking better (in my opinion) than I ever have. Personally, I'd rather wear a size 8 and be able to claim what I can do rather than claim my size 0 figure.
What I'm trying to say is... stop defining 'fit' by how tiny you are!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Rest and Relaxation produces sleepless nights and stress
So Robert and I are getting closer and closer to his R&R dates. For those of you who may not know, R&R is a 15 day break in a deployment where the soldier gets to come home, most people try to put R&R right at the 6 month mark so it evenly breaks up the deployment. Robert and I decided to aim for a later date, at a little over 8 months.
Anyway, we're both extrememly excited to see each other for the first time in 8 months, obviously. However, while I am excited about seeing my husband, I am suffering the stress of making sure these 15 days really count. Just imagine seeing your spouse for 15 days out of the year. Would you want to share them with anyone? No, but you can't be selfish so you have to. What are you going to do for 15 days? It's up to you to figure it out because chances are your soldier just wants to not go on patrols, sleep in a bed, and take a break from giving/taking orders.
I know he'll be happy with whatever we do and I know it'll be perfect because we'll be together, but I can't help but make sure things get done while he's home. You think my face looks like I have chicken pox? No those are just tons of pimples from the stress. You have gift suggestions for Christmas? Well too late, I had to have that all together by last week so I could ship everything home in time for Christmas. You would like to know our schedule while we're home? Yeah, so would I, I'm actively trying not to plan so my husband doesn't feel rushed around. You want to pick him up from the airport? To Bad. Sorry, there's like Army law or something that says all spouses get their soldier for the first 36 hours... at least.
Anyway, we're both extrememly excited to see each other for the first time in 8 months, obviously. However, while I am excited about seeing my husband, I am suffering the stress of making sure these 15 days really count. Just imagine seeing your spouse for 15 days out of the year. Would you want to share them with anyone? No, but you can't be selfish so you have to. What are you going to do for 15 days? It's up to you to figure it out because chances are your soldier just wants to not go on patrols, sleep in a bed, and take a break from giving/taking orders.
I know he'll be happy with whatever we do and I know it'll be perfect because we'll be together, but I can't help but make sure things get done while he's home. You think my face looks like I have chicken pox? No those are just tons of pimples from the stress. You have gift suggestions for Christmas? Well too late, I had to have that all together by last week so I could ship everything home in time for Christmas. You would like to know our schedule while we're home? Yeah, so would I, I'm actively trying not to plan so my husband doesn't feel rushed around. You want to pick him up from the airport? To Bad. Sorry, there's like Army law or something that says all spouses get their soldier for the first 36 hours... at least.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Our God is good, I can prove it!
This past weekend I had the privilege to spend time with about 50 of my brothers and sisters witnessing God's mercy, grace, and goodness.
The focus of our retreat was Romans 12:1-2:
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of you mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)
A whole weekend devoted to learning about God's mercy, what it means to be a living sacrifice and spiritual transformations. Let me just start out by praising God for having everything come together for the retreat and everyone who had their hands in on it. Before even getting to the retreat God was working in us a message to be shared.
I won't share much from the actual sessions but some of the applications I have for myself coming off the retreat are to:
- cancel cable, DONE
- create a life map
- ask the Holy Spirit to help in keeping God's mercy a focus for me
- follow through on Quiet Time schedule
- figure out where my Time, Money and Strength are going vs. where they should be going
- filter what I allow penetrate my mind.'
There's so much I need to be working on and slowly but surely, with God's grace and mercy, I'll get it.
In Christ,
Julie
The focus of our retreat was Romans 12:1-2:
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of you mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)
A whole weekend devoted to learning about God's mercy, what it means to be a living sacrifice and spiritual transformations. Let me just start out by praising God for having everything come together for the retreat and everyone who had their hands in on it. Before even getting to the retreat God was working in us a message to be shared.
I won't share much from the actual sessions but some of the applications I have for myself coming off the retreat are to:
- cancel cable, DONE
- create a life map
- ask the Holy Spirit to help in keeping God's mercy a focus for me
- follow through on Quiet Time schedule
- figure out where my Time, Money and Strength are going vs. where they should be going
- filter what I allow penetrate my mind.'
There's so much I need to be working on and slowly but surely, with God's grace and mercy, I'll get it.
In Christ,
Julie
Thursday, November 17, 2011
And I thought my chest was small
I'm usually against these types of poems/letters, whatever you want to call them. You know the e-mails you get that claim you'll have an eternity of bad luck unless you forward this to the 3rd, 17th, person in your address book oh and everyone you know with an "e" in their name. Yeah, okay... DELETE.
However, one comes along every so often that I identify with. I really like this one because it doesn't paint the military wife to be a victim like most others do, yes it displays some hardships but the part I most like is the dependant v. independant line. After reading this one I could feel my chest poof up and I have a feeling I'll be walking tall all day.
Lots of moving... Moving... Moving... Moving far from home... Moving two cars, three kids and one dog...all riding with HER of course. Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house; Moving curtains that won't fit; Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours. Moving away from friends; Moving toward new friends; Moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories.
Often waiting... Waiting... Waiting... Waiting for housing. Waiting for orders. Waiting for deployments. Waiting for phone calls. Waiting for reunions. Waiting for the new curtains to arrive. Waiting for him to come home, For dinner...AGAIN!
They call her 'Military Dependent', but she knows better: She is fiercely In-Dependent.
She can balance a check book; Handle the yard work; Fix a noisy toilet; Bury the family pet...
She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts. She can file the taxes; Sell a house; Buy a car; Or set up a move...all with ONE Power of Attorney.
She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her. She reinvents her career with every PCS; Locates a house in the desert, The Arctic, Or the deep south. And learns to call them all 'home'. She MAKES them all home.
Military Wives are somewhat hasty... They leap into: Decorating, Leadership, Volunteering, Career alternatives, Churches, And friendships. They don't have 15 years to get to know people. Their roots are short but flexible. They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after them.
Military Wives quickly learn to value each other: They connect over coffee, Rely on the spouse network, Accept offers of friendship and favors. Record addresses in pencil...
Military Wives have a common bond: The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands; his commitment is unique. He doesn't have a 'JOB' He has a 'MISSION' that he can't just decide to quit... He's on-call for his country 24/7. But for her, he's the most unreliable guy in town! His language is foreign TDY PCS OPR SOS ACC BDU ACU BAR CIB TAD EPR And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his. She is the long- distance link to keep them informed; the glue that holds them together.
A Military Wife has her moments: She wants to wring his neck; Dye his uniform pink; Refuse to move to Siberia; But she pulls herself together. Give her a few days, A travel brochure, A long hot bath, A pledge to the flag, A wedding picture, And she goes. She packs. She moves. She follows.
Why? What for? How come? You may think it is because she has lost her mind. But actually it is because she has lost her heart. It was stolen from her by a man, Who puts duty first, Who longs to deploy, Who salutes the flag, And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her Military Husband, She will remain his military wife. And would have it no other way.
I promise this will be the last one of these military letters. I'm just so darn proud I can't help it!
However, one comes along every so often that I identify with. I really like this one because it doesn't paint the military wife to be a victim like most others do, yes it displays some hardships but the part I most like is the dependant v. independant line. After reading this one I could feel my chest poof up and I have a feeling I'll be walking tall all day.
Lots of moving... Moving... Moving... Moving far from home... Moving two cars, three kids and one dog...all riding with HER of course. Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house; Moving curtains that won't fit; Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours. Moving away from friends; Moving toward new friends; Moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories.
Often waiting... Waiting... Waiting... Waiting for housing. Waiting for orders. Waiting for deployments. Waiting for phone calls. Waiting for reunions. Waiting for the new curtains to arrive. Waiting for him to come home, For dinner...AGAIN!
They call her 'Military Dependent', but she knows better: She is fiercely In-Dependent.
She can balance a check book; Handle the yard work; Fix a noisy toilet; Bury the family pet...
She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts. She can file the taxes; Sell a house; Buy a car; Or set up a move...all with ONE Power of Attorney.
She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her. She reinvents her career with every PCS; Locates a house in the desert, The Arctic, Or the deep south. And learns to call them all 'home'. She MAKES them all home.
Military Wives are somewhat hasty... They leap into: Decorating, Leadership, Volunteering, Career alternatives, Churches, And friendships. They don't have 15 years to get to know people. Their roots are short but flexible. They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after them.
Military Wives quickly learn to value each other: They connect over coffee, Rely on the spouse network, Accept offers of friendship and favors. Record addresses in pencil...
Military Wives have a common bond: The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands; his commitment is unique. He doesn't have a 'JOB' He has a 'MISSION' that he can't just decide to quit... He's on-call for his country 24/7. But for her, he's the most unreliable guy in town! His language is foreign TDY PCS OPR SOS ACC BDU ACU BAR CIB TAD EPR And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his. She is the long- distance link to keep them informed; the glue that holds them together.
A Military Wife has her moments: She wants to wring his neck; Dye his uniform pink; Refuse to move to Siberia; But she pulls herself together. Give her a few days, A travel brochure, A long hot bath, A pledge to the flag, A wedding picture, And she goes. She packs. She moves. She follows.
Why? What for? How come? You may think it is because she has lost her mind. But actually it is because she has lost her heart. It was stolen from her by a man, Who puts duty first, Who longs to deploy, Who salutes the flag, And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her Military Husband, She will remain his military wife. And would have it no other way.
I promise this will be the last one of these military letters. I'm just so darn proud I can't help it!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
So says the soldier
So going along the lines of the last few posts, here's something I found that describes things pretty well. This one comes from the soldier's point of view... I'll have to ask Robert if he agrees at all.
Military Man's Promise:
I cannot promise you every night of my life. I cannot promise to be beside you for every difficult moment, every trial, and every hardship. In truth, I can promise you that I will not be with you for most. I will leave you at inconvenient times. Any special date to us may be tainted with the anniversary of the death of one of my friends. I will ask you to take over whatever life we have built together for months and years at a time. And I will then crash back into that life that you have used your sweat, your tears and your heartache to keep together, and try to take it back as I knew it before.
I will shut you out at times because it will be the best way for me to hold it together at that moment. I will lie to you. I will tell you I don't know things when I do. I will not always tell you where I am going, when I will be back, or who I am with. I may not call you for weeks and months and you will not be able to call me. You will ask questions that I won't answer. You will know answers to questions that you will hope you never need.
I will share things with my brothers that you will never understand. They will know things about me that you never will. They will be a support to me in some things that you cannot be. I will miss birthdays. I will miss anniversaries. I may need time to process things that seem natural to everyone else.
It will seem that someone - or something - will always take precedence over you.
I will uproot you and ask you to re-establish our family anywhere in the world, in any season, at any time - over and over again. Sand and mud will be tracked through your halls from the boots I am too tired to take off.
I will leave you when you beg me not to. I will stand at attention while you cry beside me. I will not turn my head and I will walk away. I will knowingly break your heart. And I will do it again - and again. I cannot promise you all of me. I cannot promise you much of anything.
But if you will have me, I can promise that as I march away from you, it is not without sharing your heartache. I promise you that every time I break your heart I will be breaking mine. Every time that I cannot answer you I will be protecting you. Whenever you want to call and you have no number to dial, I will be wanting to do the same. I will protect everything that we have created together with every fiber of my being while you do the same back at home. I will honor you in everything - every moment that we are apart and every moment that I am with you. I will fight harder and push further knowing that I do so for you. And I will carry you with me in everything, until my sandy boots once again sit just inside our door.
I cannot promise you every night of my life. I cannot promise to be beside you for every difficult moment, every trial, and every hardship. In truth, I can promise you that I will not be with you for most. I will leave you at inconvenient times. Any special date to us may be tainted with the anniversary of the death of one of my friends. I will ask you to take over whatever life we have built together for months and years at a time. And I will then crash back into that life that you have used your sweat, your tears and your heartache to keep together, and try to take it back as I knew it before.
I will shut you out at times because it will be the best way for me to hold it together at that moment. I will lie to you. I will tell you I don't know things when I do. I will not always tell you where I am going, when I will be back, or who I am with. I may not call you for weeks and months and you will not be able to call me. You will ask questions that I won't answer. You will know answers to questions that you will hope you never need.
I will share things with my brothers that you will never understand. They will know things about me that you never will. They will be a support to me in some things that you cannot be. I will miss birthdays. I will miss anniversaries. I may need time to process things that seem natural to everyone else.
It will seem that someone - or something - will always take precedence over you.
I will uproot you and ask you to re-establish our family anywhere in the world, in any season, at any time - over and over again. Sand and mud will be tracked through your halls from the boots I am too tired to take off.
I will leave you when you beg me not to. I will stand at attention while you cry beside me. I will not turn my head and I will walk away. I will knowingly break your heart. And I will do it again - and again. I cannot promise you all of me. I cannot promise you much of anything.
But if you will have me, I can promise that as I march away from you, it is not without sharing your heartache. I promise you that every time I break your heart I will be breaking mine. Every time that I cannot answer you I will be protecting you. Whenever you want to call and you have no number to dial, I will be wanting to do the same. I will protect everything that we have created together with every fiber of my being while you do the same back at home. I will honor you in everything - every moment that we are apart and every moment that I am with you. I will fight harder and push further knowing that I do so for you. And I will carry you with me in everything, until my sandy boots once again sit just inside our door.
Reading that, some of you might say that's a terrible relationship/marriage but I also know that many of you finished reading and all you remember is the last paragraph. In the end he makes it all worth it.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
You're thankful for WHAT?!
It's a little early for the holiday but I had a {Fall Party} last night and it got me in the mood. God has blessed me in numerous ways, I can't even list everything. Piggy backing off of my last post I'm going to share, with those of you who are curious, why I am thankful for a year long deployment.
- Gain a greater reliance on God.
Robert is litterally half a world away, talk about feeling out of control, I know know I have no control it is God who is going to rule over Robert's and my life.
- Lots of girl time.
From movie nights, to bead parties, birthday celebrations, to holidays, these women become a part of my family and I love them as sisters.
- Sleeping spread eagle.
Yeah, a queen size bed all to myself to sleep in whichever direction or shape my heart/dreams desire.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter.
You heard me, Robert prefers creamy to crunchy while it's not a big deal to me I get to have a year of crunchy peanut butter.
- Finding new ways to love each other.
A kiss isn't possible, an I love you is but most of the time the expression feels like it falls short of the feelings. We get to find new ways to show each other we love them, ways we wouldn't bother with otherwise.
- Writing letters.
Truly a lost art. I can only speak for myself but when I go to my mailbox and recoognize Robert's handwriting among bills and all the credit card applications my heart flips, spins, and jumps.
- Domestic duties.
I continue to do them just not as often... The chili I made Wednesday lasts me until Saturday, I have enough clothes to make it 2 weeks without even looking at the laundry, dishes last longer, dusting and vacuuming are at a minimum, and I love it!
- I gain a greater appreciation for all that Robert does.
Robert's the cook in our family, already there are nights when I'm rockin' the PB&J meals, and for the record cereal IS acceptable for dinner. Changing the oil, mowing the yard, things like that.
- Missing his smile.
Yeah weird right, I am thankful for missing my husband's smile. Only because when I picture it in my head I feel so much joy and love, and those are definitely things to be thankful for.
- No arguing.
By the time I get that phone call I can't be anything but happy. Robert and I haven't argued for 6 and a half months which is way longer than most civilian married couples.
Be thankful. For every morning you wake up beside them, for every "I love you," for every time they offer to drive, for every meal ready to eat when you get home, for the things they do but don't have to, for the smile they bring to your face, for the flips, spins, and jumps they give your heart. Be thankful.
- Gain a greater reliance on God.
Robert is litterally half a world away, talk about feeling out of control, I know know I have no control it is God who is going to rule over Robert's and my life.
- Lots of girl time.
From movie nights, to bead parties, birthday celebrations, to holidays, these women become a part of my family and I love them as sisters.
- Sleeping spread eagle.
Yeah, a queen size bed all to myself to sleep in whichever direction or shape my heart/dreams desire.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter.
You heard me, Robert prefers creamy to crunchy while it's not a big deal to me I get to have a year of crunchy peanut butter.
- Finding new ways to love each other.
A kiss isn't possible, an I love you is but most of the time the expression feels like it falls short of the feelings. We get to find new ways to show each other we love them, ways we wouldn't bother with otherwise.
- Writing letters.
Truly a lost art. I can only speak for myself but when I go to my mailbox and recoognize Robert's handwriting among bills and all the credit card applications my heart flips, spins, and jumps.
- Domestic duties.
I continue to do them just not as often... The chili I made Wednesday lasts me until Saturday, I have enough clothes to make it 2 weeks without even looking at the laundry, dishes last longer, dusting and vacuuming are at a minimum, and I love it!
- I gain a greater appreciation for all that Robert does.
Robert's the cook in our family, already there are nights when I'm rockin' the PB&J meals, and for the record cereal IS acceptable for dinner. Changing the oil, mowing the yard, things like that.
- Missing his smile.
Yeah weird right, I am thankful for missing my husband's smile. Only because when I picture it in my head I feel so much joy and love, and those are definitely things to be thankful for.
- No arguing.
By the time I get that phone call I can't be anything but happy. Robert and I haven't argued for 6 and a half months which is way longer than most civilian married couples.
Be thankful. For every morning you wake up beside them, for every "I love you," for every time they offer to drive, for every meal ready to eat when you get home, for the things they do but don't have to, for the smile they bring to your face, for the flips, spins, and jumps they give your heart. Be thankful.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
I love my soldier
As an Army wife I am asked numerous questions about my life. Some are better than others, but that's beside the point :)
For the most part people are honestly just trying to understand the way of life that I am living. I love that people are interested and it makes me feel like they support the life Robert and I chose; however, sometimes the questions are hard to answer. A couple examples...
- "Robert's gone, don't you miss him?"
Prime example, how do people expect me to answer this question? "No actually, I don't. He's just my husband why should I miss him?" Come on, of course I miss him. I miss him everyday he is gone, somedays are worse than others, but there are many more good days than bad.
- "I don't know how you do it, you're so strong."
Thank you, but again how do I respond to that. I fell in love with Robert regardless of his job. In fact, the things that make him an amazing soldier, his dedication, selflessness, and leadership only made me fall harder in love with him. My life does not stop when Robert is away, God has a plan for me and I desire his plan for my life.
Usually, the hardest part for people to grasp is how we as military wives deal with deployments. I would say that it definitely isn't for everyone, but God has been growing Robert and I long before we had ever met. God designed me to be a suitable helper for Robert from the beginning (Genesis 2:18).
To be honest I am thankful for our life together, even if that means for a year he is away. It is so much easier for us to truly cherish our time together because we know how quickly it can be taken from us.
For the most part people are honestly just trying to understand the way of life that I am living. I love that people are interested and it makes me feel like they support the life Robert and I chose; however, sometimes the questions are hard to answer. A couple examples...
- "Robert's gone, don't you miss him?"
Prime example, how do people expect me to answer this question? "No actually, I don't. He's just my husband why should I miss him?" Come on, of course I miss him. I miss him everyday he is gone, somedays are worse than others, but there are many more good days than bad.
- "I don't know how you do it, you're so strong."
Thank you, but again how do I respond to that. I fell in love with Robert regardless of his job. In fact, the things that make him an amazing soldier, his dedication, selflessness, and leadership only made me fall harder in love with him. My life does not stop when Robert is away, God has a plan for me and I desire his plan for my life.
Usually, the hardest part for people to grasp is how we as military wives deal with deployments. I would say that it definitely isn't for everyone, but God has been growing Robert and I long before we had ever met. God designed me to be a suitable helper for Robert from the beginning (Genesis 2:18).
To be honest I am thankful for our life together, even if that means for a year he is away. It is so much easier for us to truly cherish our time together because we know how quickly it can be taken from us.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
If We Are the Body
I am so blessed to be able to listen to uplifting music about all around good things. My car rides are more peaceful, the day doesn't seem so hard and it just puts me in a good mood. This is how God "talks" to me. I hear a song on the radio or in church and he has a lesson in the lyrics for me.
First it was Stronger by Mandisa, I was having a tough couple of days from not hearing from Robert in a while and I woke up one morning tired from a night of crying to turn on the radio while I jumped in the shower. The words spoke right to my heart, it was God guarding my heart and mind just as he promises (Philippians 4:6-8)
On another occasion Blessings by Laura Story kept playing on the radio, I knew I was supposed to do something with this song but I had no idea what to do. I first brought it up to a friend who I am helping in her walk with Christ, she said it was just what she needed, it's exactly what she was going through. Awesome! God is awesome, giving me this song to give to Abi in her time of struggle. I thought that was it, but the song kept following me. God had more work for this song to do. Megan, my spiritual "mom," was having a tough time finding content with what God has planned for her life. She mentioned the song and instantly I knew this was where God wanted it, to help Megan and Abi when they needed it most.
Lately it's been If We Are the Body by Casting Crowns. Romans 12:4-5 says, "For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." I am a laborer with Christ, I am a member of the body of Christ. I'm still working on finding my specific function in the body but I have full faith that He will reveal it to me when He sees fit.
This song presents a sense of responsibility for me personally. God most certainly doesn't need me to carry out his work but he has blessed me by allowing me to take part in it. The conviction I get from this song is that I should be doing everything in accordance with the body of Christ. Thus giving me an outward focus which allows me to love my neighbor as myself (Matthew 22:37-39) in turn allowing me to try and reach the nations as well as make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). How different could the world be if we all just started with an outward focus? Stop trying to please myself all the time and reach out the person behind me in the Commissary line, (you know those lines are long, should have plenty of time to talk) or the guys with terrible form at the gym, (you know you've seen them) or how about Mr. Skinner who checks my ID coming onto Wheeler daily. It's a simple start, loving others, but it has already changed my life for the better. I wish to see people with Christ's eyes, so I feel the best way for me to start is to stop looking at myself.
My thoughts are all jumbled, but I hope you enjoy this song as much as I do.
First it was Stronger by Mandisa, I was having a tough couple of days from not hearing from Robert in a while and I woke up one morning tired from a night of crying to turn on the radio while I jumped in the shower. The words spoke right to my heart, it was God guarding my heart and mind just as he promises (Philippians 4:6-8)
On another occasion Blessings by Laura Story kept playing on the radio, I knew I was supposed to do something with this song but I had no idea what to do. I first brought it up to a friend who I am helping in her walk with Christ, she said it was just what she needed, it's exactly what she was going through. Awesome! God is awesome, giving me this song to give to Abi in her time of struggle. I thought that was it, but the song kept following me. God had more work for this song to do. Megan, my spiritual "mom," was having a tough time finding content with what God has planned for her life. She mentioned the song and instantly I knew this was where God wanted it, to help Megan and Abi when they needed it most.
Lately it's been If We Are the Body by Casting Crowns. Romans 12:4-5 says, "For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." I am a laborer with Christ, I am a member of the body of Christ. I'm still working on finding my specific function in the body but I have full faith that He will reveal it to me when He sees fit.
This song presents a sense of responsibility for me personally. God most certainly doesn't need me to carry out his work but he has blessed me by allowing me to take part in it. The conviction I get from this song is that I should be doing everything in accordance with the body of Christ. Thus giving me an outward focus which allows me to love my neighbor as myself (Matthew 22:37-39) in turn allowing me to try and reach the nations as well as make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). How different could the world be if we all just started with an outward focus? Stop trying to please myself all the time and reach out the person behind me in the Commissary line, (you know those lines are long, should have plenty of time to talk) or the guys with terrible form at the gym, (you know you've seen them) or how about Mr. Skinner who checks my ID coming onto Wheeler daily. It's a simple start, loving others, but it has already changed my life for the better. I wish to see people with Christ's eyes, so I feel the best way for me to start is to stop looking at myself.
My thoughts are all jumbled, but I hope you enjoy this song as much as I do.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
oh my God!
Sometimes all I can do is sit back and marvel. This guy, I only recently became more than an ancquaintance with, died for me. Even crazier, it was his dad that sent him to die for me. Let that marinate for a moment. Someone loved me so much that he sent his only son to die... for me, little 'ol me. How overwhelming that kind of love is. I don't know if I could ever love anyone that much. The best part is that he did it for you too.
God has been so visibly working in my life lately, it's so joyful to see him do so much through me. I've made a friend here, who must have been heaven sent. She was/is so hungry for the Lord but hadn't really realized what to do with that hunger. God gave me the honor of giving her the milk she desired and I know he is working in her to mature her and grow her so that she can start getting in his word and pulling out the meat to satisfy her growing hunger. How great is this guy to let me take part in his work.
Of course his work isn't always easy, but then again he never said it would be. He flat out tells us that the world will hate us (1 John 3:13, and many others) but they hate us because we do not belong to the world, we are his and his alone. I haven't come into much hate from the world or those around me... yet. But I am glad in knowing that when the hate does come on me I have God in my corner and he has prepared me to fight back with the biggest weapon, the authority given to me through Jesus Christ. God is constantly trying to grow me up so that I can be a good disciple for him, to win people for him.
There are so many ways that God has challenged me to be better for him. The most recent is that I need to be a better steward. Everything I have is because God has given it to me, he put it out on loan and how disrespectful to waste or break or squander things given to you. I am challenged to live a more minimal lifestyle, which to me right now means not wasting money on useless items. I am doing pretty well so far, I go shopping like normal pick up items I know I don't need, then when it's time to check out I reevaluate the contents of the cart and usually spend an additional half hour putting back unnecessary items before I actually leave the store. One step at a time, eventually I won't even look at the unnecessary items. Another reason I feel convicted to spend less money is so that I can give it back to the Lord. He gave me a loan, I'm paying it back. Interest free of course because he's such a good guy like that.
"If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So that whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." ~Romans 14:8
God has been so visibly working in my life lately, it's so joyful to see him do so much through me. I've made a friend here, who must have been heaven sent. She was/is so hungry for the Lord but hadn't really realized what to do with that hunger. God gave me the honor of giving her the milk she desired and I know he is working in her to mature her and grow her so that she can start getting in his word and pulling out the meat to satisfy her growing hunger. How great is this guy to let me take part in his work.
Of course his work isn't always easy, but then again he never said it would be. He flat out tells us that the world will hate us (1 John 3:13, and many others) but they hate us because we do not belong to the world, we are his and his alone. I haven't come into much hate from the world or those around me... yet. But I am glad in knowing that when the hate does come on me I have God in my corner and he has prepared me to fight back with the biggest weapon, the authority given to me through Jesus Christ. God is constantly trying to grow me up so that I can be a good disciple for him, to win people for him.
There are so many ways that God has challenged me to be better for him. The most recent is that I need to be a better steward. Everything I have is because God has given it to me, he put it out on loan and how disrespectful to waste or break or squander things given to you. I am challenged to live a more minimal lifestyle, which to me right now means not wasting money on useless items. I am doing pretty well so far, I go shopping like normal pick up items I know I don't need, then when it's time to check out I reevaluate the contents of the cart and usually spend an additional half hour putting back unnecessary items before I actually leave the store. One step at a time, eventually I won't even look at the unnecessary items. Another reason I feel convicted to spend less money is so that I can give it back to the Lord. He gave me a loan, I'm paying it back. Interest free of course because he's such a good guy like that.
"If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So that whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." ~Romans 14:8
Sunday, September 11, 2011
just keep going
Today I completed my very first triathlon. I had a blast and can't wait to do another. This triathlon was a 500m ocean swim, 12mi bike ride, and a 5k run.
I severly under estimated the swim, I had mainly trained in a pool and those waves are pretty strong. The bike was good, looking back I feel like I could have gone harder. Finally the run. First of all let me state that running and I don't get along at all. All through the run I kept telling myself to "just keep going" because I knew if I stopped I wouldn't start again. Having said that if I were a better runner I could have finished a lot better. My goal was to finish in an hour and a half. I believe I finished a few minutes beyond that, BUT I placed third in my age group so can you really complain?! The breakdown of my results are here.
With my motto of the day being "just keep going" it made me think of other instances where I've wanted to give up or have given up and should have just kept going. No matter what the outcome would have been.
I severly under estimated the swim, I had mainly trained in a pool and those waves are pretty strong. The bike was good, looking back I feel like I could have gone harder. Finally the run. First of all let me state that running and I don't get along at all. All through the run I kept telling myself to "just keep going" because I knew if I stopped I wouldn't start again. Having said that if I were a better runner I could have finished a lot better. My goal was to finish in an hour and a half. I believe I finished a few minutes beyond that, BUT I placed third in my age group so can you really complain?! The breakdown of my results are here.
With my motto of the day being "just keep going" it made me think of other instances where I've wanted to give up or have given up and should have just kept going. No matter what the outcome would have been.
Friday, August 12, 2011
progress, onward and upward
Well, as you may have seen on facebook Robert and I have successfully completed our 19th week of this deployment. Woo Hoo! 35 weeks to go, but 2 of those weeks Robert will be on R&R.
There are a few key ingredients to a successful deployment and I thought I'd share a few.
1. A relationship with God.
Duh right?! Well it goes without saying that all my strength comes from the Lord. (Philippians 4:13) I have produced a deeper faith and a closer relationship with Christ through this deployment, not to mention a very active prayer life. However, I am human with a sinful nature and I can get derailed at times. When that happens...
2. A community.
Once again God has blessed me with numerous women who support, encourage and love me. Without them, many of whom are also missing their other half, I'd probably sit inside all day. Thank you ladies, I truly love you.
3. Healthy distractions.
Fruit and Settlers. I know it's an odd combination, but it's true. I've developed a minor addiction to both since Robert has left.
4. A theme song.
That's right, a theme song. No it doesn't blare from speakers when I enter the room, but it is always in my head and the song that can pull me out of any bad mood. I become thuroughly excited when it comes on the radio and belt it out as if no one is watching... even if they are. Stronger, by Mandisa.
so like I said, onward and upward.
There are a few key ingredients to a successful deployment and I thought I'd share a few.
1. A relationship with God.
Duh right?! Well it goes without saying that all my strength comes from the Lord. (Philippians 4:13) I have produced a deeper faith and a closer relationship with Christ through this deployment, not to mention a very active prayer life. However, I am human with a sinful nature and I can get derailed at times. When that happens...
2. A community.
Once again God has blessed me with numerous women who support, encourage and love me. Without them, many of whom are also missing their other half, I'd probably sit inside all day. Thank you ladies, I truly love you.
3. Healthy distractions.
Fruit and Settlers. I know it's an odd combination, but it's true. I've developed a minor addiction to both since Robert has left.
4. A theme song.
That's right, a theme song. No it doesn't blare from speakers when I enter the room, but it is always in my head and the song that can pull me out of any bad mood. I become thuroughly excited when it comes on the radio and belt it out as if no one is watching... even if they are. Stronger, by Mandisa.
so like I said, onward and upward.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
The vacation of ALL vacations
So a lot of you may have known that I just got back to Hawaii from a lengthy vacation. I was away from the island for about 18 days which is the longest vacation I've ever taken in my life. I had an amazing time, got to see a lot of family, eat food we don't have in HI, and shop shops we don't have in HI but it's nice to be back home.
So my adventure started with me arriving in KC on my birthday so that evening family came over for cake and ribs and all that good stuff. The next morning mom, dad and I took off towards Michigan. Yes, I can still sleep from our driveway until we reach Chicago, and I did. We were in Michigan for about 9 days and in that time I got to see some family, went to Mackinac Island, and spent a ton of time with Michelle. It was abnormally hot but other than that the stay was good and like any other year it was hard to leave.
On our way home from Michigan we stopped in Illinois to drop in on Jeremy and Elisha. I had never seen their new house, which was beautiful and perfect for them. Sadly we didn't stay long, we left the next morning to return home.
One back in Kansas my main focus was to get my fill of shopping and food that I don't have access to in Hawaii. Mostly food though, I made sure to hit up Luigi's, Chipotle, Olive Garden, Stix and other chinese restaurants. It was so delicious but I think I've gained some pounds.
Three days later, my friend Rachel and I were jet setting off to sunny LA for the CrossFit Games. For those of you who don't know, CrossFit is the workout program Robert and I do and the CF Games are basically the olympics for the sport. Even though I wasn't competing it was amazing and inspiring to watch. I can't wait to go back next year.
Now I'm back in Hawaii enjoying the gym, the neutral weather, my family of believers. These women are truly a blessing to me and I am certain God sent me to Hawaii to grow for Him.
So my adventure started with me arriving in KC on my birthday so that evening family came over for cake and ribs and all that good stuff. The next morning mom, dad and I took off towards Michigan. Yes, I can still sleep from our driveway until we reach Chicago, and I did. We were in Michigan for about 9 days and in that time I got to see some family, went to Mackinac Island, and spent a ton of time with Michelle. It was abnormally hot but other than that the stay was good and like any other year it was hard to leave.
On our way home from Michigan we stopped in Illinois to drop in on Jeremy and Elisha. I had never seen their new house, which was beautiful and perfect for them. Sadly we didn't stay long, we left the next morning to return home.
One back in Kansas my main focus was to get my fill of shopping and food that I don't have access to in Hawaii. Mostly food though, I made sure to hit up Luigi's, Chipotle, Olive Garden, Stix and other chinese restaurants. It was so delicious but I think I've gained some pounds.
Three days later, my friend Rachel and I were jet setting off to sunny LA for the CrossFit Games. For those of you who don't know, CrossFit is the workout program Robert and I do and the CF Games are basically the olympics for the sport. Even though I wasn't competing it was amazing and inspiring to watch. I can't wait to go back next year.
Now I'm back in Hawaii enjoying the gym, the neutral weather, my family of believers. These women are truly a blessing to me and I am certain God sent me to Hawaii to grow for Him.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
busy, busy, busy
Hey all,
It's been a while since I last updated. It's been pretty crazy out here, somehow I've become pretty busy without even trying. Alright I admit that a lot of it is social and fun things but that's a good thing.
Monday through Friday I have the amazing privilege to train about 10 women in CrossFit, all of the women are spouses of soldiers just like me. We come from different backgrounds and different fitness levels and it is so rewarding to see the strength God has blessed these women with, physically and emotionally.
Every Tuesday night I go to a bible study group, we are known as The Navigators. The sole mission is to know Christ and to make him known. I am currently leading a small group, three other ladies, where we get to share God, our faith, our struggles, prayer, and learning and loving Christ. Wednesday mornings are always good mornings after a renewal of heart and mind.
On Wednesdays I meet with the Navigator ladies for lunch in which we do more of the same. Praising God, sharing all the ways we witness him working throughout our days. It's just another good renewal and truly refreshing to be surrounded by such amazing women.
Thursdays we have "Oahu Beach Tour 2011" where we go to different beaches around the island. It's really fun and a good way to make sure I'm experiencing the whole island rather than my immediate surroundings.
The weekends are pretty mellow but lately we've had a lot of gatherings, and more this weekend for 4th of July! On post they have live music and a festival the whole day. In the morning I'm doing a 5k run but then I'm going to enjoy some watermelon, hot dogs, burgers, potato salad, all the good stuff that just says America. After the gluttony has passed we'll enjoy a great firework display... all for free, without the hassle of parking, and security is tight so it's generally a safe holiday here.
Have a great holiday weekend and may you see God working in your lives.
"for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."
~Philippians 2:13
It's been a while since I last updated. It's been pretty crazy out here, somehow I've become pretty busy without even trying. Alright I admit that a lot of it is social and fun things but that's a good thing.
Monday through Friday I have the amazing privilege to train about 10 women in CrossFit, all of the women are spouses of soldiers just like me. We come from different backgrounds and different fitness levels and it is so rewarding to see the strength God has blessed these women with, physically and emotionally.
Every Tuesday night I go to a bible study group, we are known as The Navigators. The sole mission is to know Christ and to make him known. I am currently leading a small group, three other ladies, where we get to share God, our faith, our struggles, prayer, and learning and loving Christ. Wednesday mornings are always good mornings after a renewal of heart and mind.
On Wednesdays I meet with the Navigator ladies for lunch in which we do more of the same. Praising God, sharing all the ways we witness him working throughout our days. It's just another good renewal and truly refreshing to be surrounded by such amazing women.
Thursdays we have "Oahu Beach Tour 2011" where we go to different beaches around the island. It's really fun and a good way to make sure I'm experiencing the whole island rather than my immediate surroundings.
The weekends are pretty mellow but lately we've had a lot of gatherings, and more this weekend for 4th of July! On post they have live music and a festival the whole day. In the morning I'm doing a 5k run but then I'm going to enjoy some watermelon, hot dogs, burgers, potato salad, all the good stuff that just says America. After the gluttony has passed we'll enjoy a great firework display... all for free, without the hassle of parking, and security is tight so it's generally a safe holiday here.
Have a great holiday weekend and may you see God working in your lives.
"for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."
~Philippians 2:13
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Big Island
Hope everyone had a good Memorial Day weekend, I went to the Big Island for my vacation.
Some close friends of Robert and I, Jason and Megan, invited me to spend four days on Hawaii with them, we left Sunday morning from Oahu and arrived on Hawaii 40 minutes later. That first day we mostly drove south to Kona to sample from numerous coffee farms. Our favorite was Greenwell Farms. I highly recommend it. Went to the hotel and went to bed.
Day two we woke up and decided to do a north to east driving tour. We drove out to Waipi'o Valley where there is an awesome black sand beach. The thing is that the beach is in the valley, so we decided to take the one mile hike to the beach. It would have been easy except that in the one mile there was a 1,000 foot elevation change. The hike to the beach was all downhill and super easy, not so much on the way up. But I got my black sand souvenir and I was happy. Next we headed to Hilo side, we stopped at Akaka Falls Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots; however, Akaka falls was very impressive and the best waterfall I've ever seen. After that we ate sinner then went back to the hotel to make sure the hot tub was in working order.
Day three was a lazy morning, we went down to the "adult pool" but had to arrange the heavy furniture. Thanks to CrossFit we had no troubles with it : ) Later in the day we packed up all our cold weather attire and headed towards Mauna Kea, it was quite the drive with Jason at the wheel, but we made it. We stopped at the visitor center at around 9,000 ft. for about half an hour debating if we should continue up the mountain without a 4WD vehicle. We went ahead with it and I'm glad we did. The temperature at the top was about 32 degrees... I did not pack enough cold weather gear. We experienced the sunset above the clouds which was breathtaking, as well as took handstand pictures (silly CrossFitters). After the sun was below the clouds we headed back down the mountain for a star gazing tour. Equally awesome but I believe I was too cold to fully appreciate it.
Day four was my last day on the island and it was my favorite! We woke up and decided to visit Captain Cook's monument. The monument is fixed in a bay where you either have to hike down 45 minutes, then back up (no thank you) or rent a kayak for a 30 minute jaunt across the bay. Team NachoWey (Nachowicz and Van Wey unite) opted for the kayaks. The water in this bay was the most incredible shade of blue I have ever seen, no words can describe how beautiful it was. Also on our trek across the bay we were accompanied by multiple spinner dolphins. They were so close and it was an amazing sight. So once at the monument Team NachoWey dove in the brisk bay to experience Hawaii's number one snorkeling location. I am fully confident in this location receiving the top spot. The water was clear, the fish were colorful and plentiful, not to mention you could watch and hear those afore mentioned dolphins playing under the surface. Best day ever!
Big thanks to Jason and Megan who have become great friends and whom without I never would have left Oahu.
Some close friends of Robert and I, Jason and Megan, invited me to spend four days on Hawaii with them, we left Sunday morning from Oahu and arrived on Hawaii 40 minutes later. That first day we mostly drove south to Kona to sample from numerous coffee farms. Our favorite was Greenwell Farms. I highly recommend it. Went to the hotel and went to bed.
Day two we woke up and decided to do a north to east driving tour. We drove out to Waipi'o Valley where there is an awesome black sand beach. The thing is that the beach is in the valley, so we decided to take the one mile hike to the beach. It would have been easy except that in the one mile there was a 1,000 foot elevation change. The hike to the beach was all downhill and super easy, not so much on the way up. But I got my black sand souvenir and I was happy. Next we headed to Hilo side, we stopped at Akaka Falls Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots; however, Akaka falls was very impressive and the best waterfall I've ever seen. After that we ate sinner then went back to the hotel to make sure the hot tub was in working order.
Day three was a lazy morning, we went down to the "adult pool" but had to arrange the heavy furniture. Thanks to CrossFit we had no troubles with it : ) Later in the day we packed up all our cold weather attire and headed towards Mauna Kea, it was quite the drive with Jason at the wheel, but we made it. We stopped at the visitor center at around 9,000 ft. for about half an hour debating if we should continue up the mountain without a 4WD vehicle. We went ahead with it and I'm glad we did. The temperature at the top was about 32 degrees... I did not pack enough cold weather gear. We experienced the sunset above the clouds which was breathtaking, as well as took handstand pictures (silly CrossFitters). After the sun was below the clouds we headed back down the mountain for a star gazing tour. Equally awesome but I believe I was too cold to fully appreciate it.
Day four was my last day on the island and it was my favorite! We woke up and decided to visit Captain Cook's monument. The monument is fixed in a bay where you either have to hike down 45 minutes, then back up (no thank you) or rent a kayak for a 30 minute jaunt across the bay. Team NachoWey (Nachowicz and Van Wey unite) opted for the kayaks. The water in this bay was the most incredible shade of blue I have ever seen, no words can describe how beautiful it was. Also on our trek across the bay we were accompanied by multiple spinner dolphins. They were so close and it was an amazing sight. So once at the monument Team NachoWey dove in the brisk bay to experience Hawaii's number one snorkeling location. I am fully confident in this location receiving the top spot. The water was clear, the fish were colorful and plentiful, not to mention you could watch and hear those afore mentioned dolphins playing under the surface. Best day ever!
Big thanks to Jason and Megan who have become great friends and whom without I never would have left Oahu.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Hawaii Top 5
Okay so a lot of people ask me what my favoritee part of living here is... well you know what, I'll give you five reasons!
5. Smoothie Bowls
a smoothie bowl is a delicious concoction of Acai fruit smoothie in a bowl the size of my face, covered with banana slices, honey, granola, black berries, raspberries, strawberries, mango, pineapple, and coconut shavings. There are a few places to get this slice of heaven although my favorite is in a little shop just off Shark's Cove, North Shore. Amazing! Please notice this particular smoothie bowl had no chance of survival.
4. Playing tour guide
I haven't gotten many chances yet, hint hint. However, Nick came out in October for his pre-deployment leave and I'm pretty sure he had an awesome time. I'm already thinking of more things for him to do while he's here for post-deployment leave. My parents also came to the island for a week just after Christmas and while Robert and I busied them from place to place they still barely saw the island. Come out to visit me, I'm a great guide and I run WAY cheaper than the competition.
3. Surfing/Beaches
I'm not so amazing as say, Kelly Slater or Bethany Hamilton, but I do like to dabble in their leftovers. Robert and I both have boards and go out a fair amount, although I tend to get tired a little faster than Robert. I'm sure I don't have to tell you but the beaches here are picture perfect, white sand clear waters and amazing weather daily. A few of the women I work out with have started an Oahu Beach Tour 2011 in which every Thursday after our 9am workout we spend the day at a different beach on the island, no two are the same. We surf, we wade, we splash, we laugh, and enjoy our clearly blessed lives.
5. Smoothie Bowls
4. Playing tour guide
I haven't gotten many chances yet, hint hint. However, Nick came out in October for his pre-deployment leave and I'm pretty sure he had an awesome time. I'm already thinking of more things for him to do while he's here for post-deployment leave. My parents also came to the island for a week just after Christmas and while Robert and I busied them from place to place they still barely saw the island. Come out to visit me, I'm a great guide and I run WAY cheaper than the competition.
3. Surfing/Beaches
 |
| Surf's up at White Plains |
2. Amazing views
 |
| Waimea Sunrise |
Not only are our beaches picture perfect our views are too. Most of my favorite views are simply found by driving around the island, my personal fav is on the way to North Shore, at the crest of the last hill you can see everything. From Kaena Point to Waimea Bay you can see the green trees, the bright blue water, whites from the crashing waves and the colors brought to their truest in a cloudless sky. Freaking awesome! I guess I'll let them speak for themselves, more to come on those though.
annnnnnnnddddddd the number one reason why I love Hawaii is!
the community of women God has surrounded me with
 |
| left to right: Nicole, Allison, Tracy, Jill, Megan and me |
as a lot of you may know Robert and I have discovered our relationships with God since coming to Hawaii, and we were blessed enough to get plugged in with a great ministry. The people are truely amazing and I can without a doubt say that the fellowship they have provided is what has gotten me to where I am today, well that and God's love of course. I am leading a bible study for a small group of women on Tuesday nights and on Wednesday I currently host a ladies lunch where we get together for lunch to further focus on what God is doing in our lives, to encourage one another, and to find out how God challenges us. I am so thankful to Him for bringing these women in my life!
welcome to our world
I've seen numerous friends start a blog for their new families. It's fun to keep up with family by reading what's going on in their lives so... welcome to our world.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)